The ban on TikTok doesn’t make sense because with so much American influence in the company, China isn't able to steal our data through TikTok.
TikTok, a Chinese-owned video-sharing platform, with over 100 million Americans using the app, is the target of Executive Order 13873 issued by the Trump administration, which would ban the app in the U.S.
If the Trump administration bans TikTok, then the only thing that’s going to be accomplished is millions of young Americans missing out on the chance to have a laugh over funny videos.
Trump and his administration say that because TikTok collects data on its users, this could potentially lead to a national security risk. This is because Trump’s advisers have started to zero in on technology companies which they say are beholden to the Chinese government through security laws, according to a Aug. 6 New York Times article.
The executive order states that, “The spread in the United States of mobile applications developed and owned by companies in the People's Republic of China continues to threaten the national security, foreign policy and economy of the United States. At this time, action must be taken to address the threat posed by one mobile application in particular, TikTok."
However, TikTok won't be able to give American data to Chinese officials when American employees are working within the company.
According to a July 21 Forbes article, TikTok currently has 1,400 American employees working for them and is planning to add 10,000 more Americans to the company in the next three years. With this many Americans working for TikTok, it's highly unlikely that the company is forking over American users’ data to Chinese officials without American employees knowing about it.
Hilary McQuaide, TikTok’s spokesperson, said in a July 9 TechCrunch article, “We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.” McQuaide also goes on to say that TikTok is not a threat, and its roots are firmly grounded in the United States.
TikTok has pointed out that along with its CEO being an American businessman, Kevin Mayer, its data is stored on servers in the U.S. and they would let outside experts and regulators examine their data to prove that it’s not sharing data with authorities in China, as reported in an Aug. 7 episode of “Consider This” by NPR.
If China is trying to collect American user data through the app, then it’s assumed that they would ask more in-depth questions while users are signing up to make an account. However, TikTok doesn’t ask any abnormal questions to new users. Just like any other social media platform, TikTok asks for a username, password and an email address.
Also, anyone can access the app's content without having an account, just like every other social media platform.
If Chinese officials were trying to retain American data, they would need to use an app more prominently used by significant American leaders. However, in the United States, 60% of TikTok users are between the ages of 16 and 24, according to a November 2019 release from Reuters.
With that being said, it’s highly unlikely that Chinese officials are interested in what’s being posted on TikTok by young Americans.
Almost every video you see while scrolling through the app is of entertaining content such as dancing, pets, tarot card readings and pranks.
TikTok shouldn't be banned in the U.S. because it isn't being used by the Chinese government to obtain American data.
