User data has certainly been a key driver in the TikTok ban, an issue they are certainly used to by now. In 2022, company employees were found using data and IP addresses to see if certain reporters lived near them. Employees spied on journalists’ locations until they were terminated by ByteDance for violating their privacy and abusing TikTok data. 

While no recent data leaks have been reported, lawmakers fear the possibility that ByteDance has the capabilities to do so if they choose. An information security expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies has stated “It’s not that we know TikTok has done something, it’s that distrust of China and awareness of Chinese espionage has increased”.  

Many view this ban as a debate of national security over First Amendment rights. For example, the ACLU has expressed concerns over the implications this can have on free speech and other civil liberties. The primary fear is precedence, this could allow future administrations to interfere with any app that allows Americans to freely speak their minds. Others worry the U.S. government is doing exactly what they said the Chinese government will do; influence American political decisions by allowing certain propaganda. Many users have expressed their frustrations over this bill applying to one specific platform. 

Studies found TikTok collects no more data than the typical App Store app. Two studies conducted in 2020 also reached a similar conclusion, one by the Washington Post and another by Pellaeon Lin, a Taiwan-based researcher at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab. 

In fact, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew himself confirmed the company does not, nor will it, collect user data beyond what is needed to function the app. He doesn’t find the potential Chinese concerns valid and thinks many of these risks are hypothetical and unlikely. Beyond his statement, TikTok was previously working to show that it will keep user data safe. “Project Texas” allows the U.S. government and third-party companies to have some oversight of TikTok’s data practices. They are working on a plan in the European Union called “Project Clover” to create a similar plan. 

Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, shared her disappointment in government leaders who are “attempting to trade our First Amendment rights for cheap political points during an election year. Just because the bill sponsors claim that banning TikTok isn’t about suppressing speech, there’s no denying that it would do just that.” 

President-elect Donald Trump has had mixed feelings on the app. During his first term in office, he attempted to ban the app but was ultimately unsuccessful. Now, however, he is one of the most influential people who are hoping to prevent a nationwide TikTok ban. In Phoenix, AZ on December 22, 2024, Trump stated he planned to “start thinking about TikTok”. The app had contributed a lot of success to his political endeavors, from young voters voicing their support as well as TikTok investors who supported his campaign.  

“We did go on TikTok, and we had a great response. We had billions and billions of views. As I looked at it, I said, ‘Maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while” Trump said, but this has caused some concern for most of Washington as well as Republicans who desire a tough stance against Chinese-related issues. 

Until January 18, no one knows how this case will play out, or the impact it will have on both American rights and national security. 

UPDATE:

On Monday, January 20th, President Trump signed an executive order halting the TikTok ban for 75 days allowing his administration to determine the appropriate course of action. Previously, President Trump suggested ByteDance shifted the platform to a joint venture that’s at least 50% controlled by U.S. interests.