What to know about TikTok’s fate in the US

0
161

What to Know about TikTok’s Fate in the US

TikTok, the popular social media platform, has been thrust into the headlines in 2020. After both US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo outlined possible action against the app, many in the US (and beyond) are wondering what the fate of TikTok will be. Here, we explore what’s happened so far and answer questions about the future.

What Will Happen to TikTok in the US?

As of right now, it is unclear what will become of TikTok in the US. In recent weeks, President Trump has threatened to ban the app, citing potential issues around data privacy and national security. However, a potential ban is not certain yet, and options are still on the table.

Why Is the US Looking to Take Action on TikTok?

The US government has cited several factors in why they’re looking to take action on TikTok. These include:

Data Privacy: The US government has raised concerns about user data and how it is collected, stored, and used by the app’s parent company, Chinese tech giant ByteDance.

National Security: US intelligence agencies have raised concerns about ByteDance’s links to the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP, saying that data from US users could be used for intelligence gathering.

What Are the Possible Outcomes?

At this point, there are several likely outcomes for TikTok’s presence in the US. These include:

Ban: It is possible that the US government may ban TikTok in the US. This could be done through executive action or with help from Congress.

Sale of US Operations: Another potential option is a sale of the app’s US operations, with Microsoft currently being discussed as a potential buyer.

Partnership: TikTok may also partner with a US company, allowing it to continue operations while ensuring user data stays in the US.

What Would a Ban Look Like?

If the US government ultimately decides to ban TikTok, there could be several implications. Here is what a ban could mean for users, businesses, and developers:

Users: US users would no longer be able to access or use the app.

Businesses: Companies that have used or are currently using TikTok for advertisements or influencer marketing could no longer reach their US customers through the app.

Developers: US developers who publish content or apps on TikTok (or use the app’s APIs) would not be able to do so anymore.

When Will We Know the Outcome?

At this point, it is unclear when a decision on TikTok will be made. President Trump has previously mentioned a timeline of 45 days to make a decision, although that timeline has now expired. It’s likely that we will know the outcome in the coming weeks or months, although an exact date is hard to predict.

What Will Happen to TikTok in Other Countries?

In addition to the US, other countries have expressed their concerns around TikTok. Several governments, including Australia and India, have already taken action on the app, with varying levels of success. Governments in the European Union (EU) have expressed concerns, but have yet to take action.

How Can I Keep Up With TikTok News?

If you’d like to keep up with what’s happening with TikTok, there are several reliable sources you can turn to:

Social Media: Follow news outlets such as The Verge, TechCrunch, and The Wall Street Journal for news about the app.

Twitter: If you are on Twitter, be sure to follow news outlets, reporters, and industry figures for the latest updates on the app.

TikTok remains in an uncertain position in the US (and beyond). As of now, it’s hard to predict if and how the US government will take action against the app, and whether or not it will remain available in the country. However, there are sources you can turn to for reliable updates and news, as well as countries to watch for clues as to what could happen. Time will tell what the future holds for TikTok in the US.

Previous articleWhat Is Fiscal Policy?
Next articleFamous Surreal Paintings By Pierre Roy