Is TikTok a National Security Threat? Exploring the Controversy and Global Bans
TikTok, the popular video-sharing app owned by the private Chinese company ByteDance, is under increased scrutiny from several governments worldwide. The Chinese government’s relationship with ByteDance has put the company under the microscope for several reasons, including national security, data protection, and children’s privacy concerns. Recently, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has defended the company against the charges leveled against it. However, the U.S., Canada, and several European governments have stepped up efforts to impose restrictions on TikTok, ratcheting pressure on the Chinese-owned app even as U.S.-China relations have grown increasingly strained. This article explores the reasons behind these governments’ move to impose restrictions on TikTok and outlines the various bills that seek to curtail the app’s use.
Why Governments Want to Ban TikTok
TikTok’s relationship with China’s government has been a concern for critics worldwide. They fear that the data of the app’s 150 million U.S. users could be at risk since Chinese law requires its companies to share information with the government. Critics also argue that the Chinese government controls the app’s recommendation algorithm, which could allow them to manipulate the content or instigate operations to influence users. Moreover, the Chinese government maintains the ability to collect user data.
While the app has repeatedly claimed that it operates independently and protects user data, several revelations have challenged these assertions. For instance, the FBI Director, Chris Wray, has warned that the Chinese government controls its recommendation algorithm. At the same time, ByteDance’s alliances with Oracle are meant to firewall the data from overseas access.
Several U.S. states have banned state employees from using the app on government-issued devices. Some U.S. universities have barred it from their WiFi networks. Additionally, several countries worldwide have introduced full or partial bans on the app amid heightened national security concerns. For instance, India banned TikTok in 2020 over privacy and security concerns. In December 2020, Taiwan imposed a public sector ban on Chinese-made software. The European Commission, EU Council, and Parliament announced last month that they would prohibit staff from having TikTok on their work devices. Canada has also banned the app from government-issued mobile devices.
Legal Challenges That May Preclude a Total Ban
Several bills are making their way through Congress that, if made law, would curtail TikTok’s use in the U.S. The DATA Act, which mentions TikTok by name, would give President Biden more authority to ban the app. The House Foreign Affairs Committee has advanced the legislation. The ANTI-SOCIAL CCP Act, backed by lawmakers including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fl.) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), would allow TikTok to be banned from operating in the U.S. The RESTRICT Act would give the Department of Commerce more power to review, prevent and mitigate information communications and technology transactions that pose “undue” risk.
However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has sent a letter to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urging members to vote against the DATA Act. The ACLU argues that the legislation is “vague and overbroad” and would violate Americans’ First Amendment rights by infringing on their freedom of expression and association rights.
Countries That Have Taken Steps to Probe and Restrict TikTok
Even countries that have not banned TikTok have taken measures to probe and restrict the app. For instance, several German ministries prohibit the use of TikTok on official phones, while French data protection watchdog CNIL fined TikTok 5 million euros in January over data protection violations, and the French Senate launched an inquiry into Chinese social media company TikTok to look into its use and strategy of influence
Whether or not to ban TikTok is not just limited to the United States and its allies. Governments in other parts of the world are also grappling with similar concerns. For instance, in Pakistan, authorities temporarily banned TikTok in 2020 over allegations of indecent content. The ban was lifted after TikTok agreed to moderate content per local laws.
In India, where TikTok was banned in 2020, there have been calls to bring back the app. Some Indian lawmakers and celebrities argue that the ban has hurt small businesses that relied on TikTok to promote their products and services. However, the Indian government has so far refused to lift the ban.
In China, where TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based, there has been little public debate about the app’s potential risks. The Chinese government heavily regulates the internet and strictly controls social media platforms. In fact, Chinese officials have used TikTok’s success as evidence that China can produce world-class technology companies.
Conclusion
The debate over whether or not to ban TikTok is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, there are concerns about national security and the potential for Chinese companies to use TikTok to collect sensitive information. On the other hand, there are concerns about free speech and the impact that banning the app could have on small businesses and ordinary users.
Ultimately, the decision to ban TikTok will depend on various factors, including geopolitical considerations, national security concerns, and the legal and regulatory frameworks in different countries. What is clear, however, is that the controversy surrounding TikTok is unlikely to go away anytime soon and that the debate over how to regulate social media platforms will continue to be a contentious issue.
