The past few weeks have not been good for the video-sharing platform TikTok, as it was first banned by the Government of India last week and now the United States is on its way to shut down the application. Read When & Why Is TikTok Getting Banned In the US?
TikTok, a Chinese-owned application, is under the fire for allegedly sharing its users’ information to the Chinese Government which then uses the personal data of millions of people to propagate their agenda.
India banned TikTok along with 58 other China-owned apps. The social media platform had the most number of active users in India – over 600+ Million active users in a month. The app had been downloaded for 1 billion times in India alone. You might be wondering why TikTok got banned in India? And why is now the US government deciding to ban TikTok? The answers are somewhat similar. Read below.
Why Is TikTok Getting Banned in the US?
Govt. of India banned the application for security concerns of the millions of people using TikTok in the country saying it possessed a “threat to [India’s] sovereignty and integrity.”
The United States is taking the same route as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Monday that the government is “looking at” banning TikTok and other applications with Chinese origin. The next day, US President Donald Trump stated:
It’s something we are looking at, yes. It is a big business. Look, what happened with China with the virus, what they have done to this country and to the entire world is disgraceful.
Geopolitics is playing a major role in the discrimination of Chinese products. One of the biggest democratic countries in the world has banned the application for a reason, that’s because China evaded into Indian territory, killed 20 Indian soldiers dead, and the outbreak of the coronavirus, as well know.
Previously, Donald Trump had called out China for deliberately releasing the deadly virus into the world and China’s denial of the accusations had made the matter even worse. The U.S. Government has a longtime running beef with China – trade of goods, at times Chinese Govt. increase taxes and import good and vice-versa.
With the course of reelection coming to an end, Trump held a rally in Tulsa which was scapegoated by TikTokers. And that has disappointed Trump and it adds one more reason to ban TikTok in the US.
Banning TikTok in the US might put pressure on China to reveal the truth and acknowledge its wrongdoings.
Mike Pompeo on Why Is TikTok Getting Banned in the US?
Mike Pompeo reflected the same thoughts of security concerns and the possibility of data breaches. When asked whether to use the application or not, Mike said, “Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.”
So far, Govt. of India has not shared any solid information regarding the instant ban of TikTok. The decision might have based on a piece of concrete evidence.
TikTok’s Take On The Ban
TikTok has discarded all the allegations made by the governments all the around. A company’s spokesperson said that TikTok operates in major countries in the world and it is well-aware of the privacy policies of the users.
He said, “TikTok is led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the U.S. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.”
You might be wondering when will TikTok get banned in the US.
When Will TikTok Get Banned In the USA?
There is no definite timeline given by the U.S. Government as to when it will ban the TikTok. With election time nearing, the decision can happen in just few weeks or not happen at all as both decisions will directly impact the polls.
On the other hand, TikTok officials have denied the facts that TikTok is getting banned any time soon.
Hi. No, we’re not shutting down. So… any fun weekend plans?
— TikTok (@tiktok_us) July 7, 2020
Fast forward to July 31, 2020, Trump said, “I will sign the document tomorrow.” It indicates that a ban could take place immediately.
Stay tuned with TCD for more updates on TikTok.
