Over the past few years, banning the app TikTok has been an ongoing, controversial debate. TikTok is an incredibly popular platform, with over one billion active users. It is commonly used to post short videos of dances, singing, lifestyle tips and other trends.
Zhang Yiming, owner of ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, is based in China. This brings major concern to the U.S. government. TikTok had the opportunity to sell it to an American Company or an American citizen. Billionaires like Elon Musk and Mr. Beast considered buying the app but ran out of time before the platform was banned. The main concern regarding TikTok and ByteDance was the national security threat and data privacy concerns it imposed on American users. The ban was based on accusations, as there was no proof that American’s data was being shared with the Chinese government.
Shou Chew has been in court defending TikTok as the CEO since last year’s attempted ban. On Jan. 10th, arguments were presented to the Supreme Court by a number of individuals seeking to save TikTok. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey attempted to convince the Supreme Court to pass a 270 day extension to think about their decision before banning the app. This would provide enough time for President Donald Trump to take office and help save TikTok. If the Senate agreed unanimously, the extension would be passed. However, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton objected and the extension was no longer an option. Since many people make a living off of the app, they are continuing to fight for TikTok to not be banned. However, on Jan. 10th, the Supreme Court mandated the TikTok ban, as they were not able to sell the app. On TikToks last day in the U.S., many influencers posted their old videos to reminisce old trends on the app. Many referred to it as the “TikTok funeral” because many people thought the app would never return. Around 9 p.m. on Jan. 18, when people went to open TikTok, a not so surprising message came up.
“We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on Jan. 19 and force us to make our service temporarily unavailable. We’re working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Please stay tuned,” the message stated.
People could still access the app after 11 p.m. when another message came up, blocking all U.S. users.
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he is in office,” the additional message stated.
Within a day, TikTok worked with President Trump to give the app an extension, allowing for more court dates and discussions to occur in order to keep the app. TikTok will receive another 75 days of review, but American users were welcomed back on Jan.19th.
“Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!,” a TikTok message stated after their renewal.
