Essay on Should TikTok be banned in the US?
Introduction
In today’s digital age, social media has become an important part of our lives. Among all these platforms, TikTok has gained tremendous popularity in the last few years. This app is known for short entertaining videos, dance trends, comedy skits, and creative content, especially among the youth. However, as fast as this app has gained its hold around the world, its security and privacy concerns have also increased at the same pace.
In the US, the debate about TikTok has become quite heated. Many government officials and cybersecurity experts believe that this app can pass the data of American citizens to the Chinese government, because TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. The Chinese government has strict control over companies, and because of this, there is a fear that TikTok could be used for data spying or propaganda.
There are two different sides to this issue:
1. People who want TikTok banned – They argue that the app is a threat to national security and can harm the privacy of US citizens.
2. People who want to save TikTok – They say that it is a platform for freedom of expression and creativity, and shutting it down will affect the livelihood of millions of people.
So, the question is – Will it be the right decision to ban TikTok in the US? Let’s take a deeper look at its pros and cons.
Arguments in favor of banning TikTok
1. Data protection and national security concerns
The biggest objection to TikTok is that it is owned by a China-based company, ByteDance. The Chinese government’s “National Intelligence Law” says that Chinese companies may have to share data with the government. This means that US users’ data—such as their location, browsing history, personal messages, and even their personal interests—could be accessed by the Chinese government.
The US government fears that this data:
- It could be used in cyberattacks.
- It could be used for surveillance on US citizens.
- It could be used to exert political influence.
In 2020, then-President Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok, but it was not fully implemented. However, many American politicians still believe that TikTok can work like “spyware”.
2. Propaganda and censorship
TikTok is also accused of content censorship. According to reports, TikTok has removed videos that were against the Chinese government, such as:
- Protests related to Tibet and Hong Kong.
- News of human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims.
- Content criticizing the Communist Party of China.
If an app works under government pressure, it can be a threat to democratic values in America. What if the Chinese government uses TikTok to spread misinformation to American users?
3. Negative effects on children and youth
TikTok addiction has become a big problem for many young people and teenagers. Some of its negative effects are:
Time Waste – Many users keep scrolling for hours, which reduces their productivity.
Effect on Mental Health – According to some studies, excessive social media use can increase depression and anxiety.
Dangerous Challenges – Some trending challenges, such as the “Tide Pod Challenge” or the “Blackout Challenge”, have been proven to be fatal.
For all these reasons, many people believe that TikTok should be banned.
Arguments in favor of not banning TikTok
1. Freedom of expression and creativity
TikTok has given millions of Content Creators a platform where they can raise their voice. It is not just an entertainment app, but a Creative Community where:
- Small Businesses sell their products.
- Musicians and artists showcase their talent.
- Social activists spread awareness on important issues.
If TikTok is shut down, it will be a big blow to the Creative Ecosystem.
2. Impact on the US economy
TikTok is not just an app, but a Big Business that supports Thousands of American Jobs. This includes:
- Influencers who work with brands.
- Marketing Professionals who run digital campaigns.
- Tech Employees who maintain the app.
The ban will affect the livelihood of all these people.
3. Is TikTok the only one that collects data?
Is TikTok the only one that collects user data? US apps like Facebook (Meta), Google, and Twitter (X) also collect user data. If data security is a concern, shouldn’t there be strict regulations on all social media platforms? Targeting only TikTok doesn’t seem fair.
What could be a better solution?
Banning may not be the perfect solution. Instead, the following measures can be taken:
1. Strict Data Privacy Laws
The US government can make strict rules for apps like TikTok, such as:
- Users’ data should be stored only in the US.
- Third-party data sharing should be banned.
2. Stronger Parental Controls
For the safety of children:
- Screen Time Limit can be imposed.
- Dangerous content can be blocked.
3. Promote Alternative Apps
If there are concerns over TikTok, US companies should create their own alternatives, such as:
- Instagram Reels
- YouTube Shorts
Conclusion
Banning TikTok has both advantages and disadvantages. Although security concerns are legitimate, a complete ban cannot be the right solution to the problem. It would be better if the government and TikTok worked together to make rules that ensure the privacy and security of users, without harming creators and businesses.
Finally, it is also the responsibility of users to keep their data safe and make balanced use of social media.
