By: Gabriel Ahmed
In recent events, the house of representatives passed a bill that would possibly ban the social media app TikTok after investigations leading to tiktok compromising individuals personal information.
The Chinese government has been accused of using TikTok to collect sensitive information about users, which is a major infringement of basic rights of people, leading to many suing and winning. Congress ruled, out of the general wealth and safety of the people, that if TikTok does not change its main company, ByteDance within a 5 month period, the U.S. government would force all devices and carriers to seize the app from app stores.
The app has also faced criticism for hosting inappropriate content, such as explicit language, violent or harmful behavior, and suggestive or sexualized dance challenges. This may lead to many having to face false accusations, which can impede their personal lives outside of social media. For example, in recent news, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott was accused of false sexual assault charges after an un-identified woman claimed she had been assaulted by him. This was all done through social media as the “victim” apparently didn't even know Prescott personally.
If the ban is implemented, TikTok users in the United States will no longer be able to access the app. Meaning that they will lose access to their accounts, videos, and other content. Additionally, creators and influencers who rely on TikTok for their livelihoods will be affected, as they will no longer be able to monetize their content on the platform. Tiktok has been a worldwide sensation for some time now, dating all the way back to Vine. The platform, once used to show off your dancing skills, is now facing slim odds to beat the allegations. An interview was conducted between two individuals, one of generation Z, Dylan Slimp and one from the Millennial Generation, Cynthia Magoffe. Both said the pros and cons weigh each other out, but in the end jeopardizing your personal information will cause more consequences than just using Instagram Reels or Snapchat Spotlight.
The ban on TikTok is not yet final, as it still needs to be signed into law by congress. If signed, it could face legal challenges and potentially be overturned. Additionally, TikTok has stated that it is willing to work with the U.S. government to address concerns and avoid a ban. TikTok is expected to face legal challenges in the future. It is also possible that the app could be modified to address the concerns of the U.S. government, hopefully avoiding a ban. However, if the ban is implemented, it could have significant consequences for TikTok users and the social media landscape as a whole.
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