On 19 January the popular social media app TikTok went offline for American users due to a US law banning TikTok. After 12 hours, many US citizens were able to access the app again. Now, it’s back to normal – almost.
Why was it banned?
The app was banned in the USA after US law officials stated that national and personal security could be breached through the use of this app and the country that owns it. ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, was feared by US lawmakers for its alleged data collection.
The case, involving the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was submitted to the Supreme Court. ByteDance had until January 19 to sell the platform to an American buyer or have it banned in America.
As the deadline loomed closer, users began receiving pop-up warnings whenever they opened the app.
“We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services 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,” one warning said.
What changed?
As TikTok began to resurface for many American users, people noticed small changes throughout the app.
One video went viral for the warning message that was displayed when you tried to share the clip. The message read: “Sharing is limited to one chat at a time. This is to help limit the spread of potentially harmful content.”
The post in question was a video of someone saying that President Donald Trump admitted to rigging the election.
Furthermore, some phrases have been censored by the app. If you search “Trump rigged election” on the explore page in America, a “no results found” page showed. Attached was the message “this phrase may be associated with behaviour or content that violates our guidelines. Promoting a safe and positive experience is TikTok’s top priority.”
Yet, if you search this exact phrase outside of the US (Brig used TikTok in Scotland as an example) then videos appear, no warning message attached.
Is TikTok back for good?
Although Americans have rejoiced at having the popular platform back, it probably won’t stay for good.
Trump is allowed, as president, to grant an extension of up to 90 days before the law goes into effect. He has signed an executive order which allows the extension of 75 days.
However, if ByteDance doesn’t sell by the new deadline, then the app will most likely shut down for American users.
Notably, some big names are looking to purchase the app. Among them is YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) who has teamed up with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley to enter the bidding for the site. Trump has also stated that he is open to Elon Musk and Larry Ellison – both well-known tech billionaires – buying the platform.
Featured Image Credit: Olivier Bergeron via Unsplash
Fourth year student journalist studying Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism Studies.
Words at Brig, The Daily Evergreen, Alloa Advertiser, Discovery Music Scotland, and The Mourning Paper.
