By Litzy Grijalba
From dance challenges to digital rights, the possible prohibition on TikTok could mute a generation. The potential American TikTok ban has sparked controversy all over the country.
These conversations mostly center on TikTok's user data handling practices and possible connections to the Chinese government, given that TikTok is controlled by China. There are suspicions that the app might be gathering and disclosing user data to unaffiliated parties, endangering the security and privacy of users.
Members of Congress moved on fears that TikTok’s existing ownership structure poses a threat to national security, and the House passed a bill that would result in a nationwide ban of the app if its China-based owner does not sell its interest.
After passing by a vote of 352-65, the bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is still uncertain.
Currently, Florida has enacted a Social Media Ban law which forbids minors under 14 from accessing social media platforms. In addition, individuals who are 14 and 15 years old will be required to obtain parental authorization in order to create accounts. It will go into effect Jan. 1 if it still stands following expected appeals.
The law was issued in response to an abundance of research demonstrating an array of negative effects for exposing kids to social media use in the modern world.
Both instances, the prospective banning of TikTok and the recent enactment of Florida's social media ban, underscore the growing examination and deliberation over the function and impact of social media platforms.
Unfortunately, a broad spectrum of individuals could be negatively impacted by the proposed prohibition. For instance: frequent users who take pleasure in producing and disseminating content, social media influencers who depend on TikTok to reach their audience, and companies which utilize the platform for promotional endeavors. They are all in an uproar about TikTok’s uncertain future.
Critics believe the bill will be used to restrict more than the popular social media app, but free expression itself, increasing censorship for future similar apps.
This possibility has outraged numerous influencers that depend on the app for their primary source of revenue especially. One of those people is Amber Estenson, who’s also known as the “The Midwestern Mom.” Estenson, who has a combined follower base of over 1 million followers, creates and uploads content about herself and her alter ego on TikTok.
“I’d lose a million people who watch me every day, and it is not just Americans: it is people all over the world. I’d lose a community that I have created over the past three to four years. I’d lose access to the ability to talk to a million people,” Estenson said.
So, what has TikTok said about all of this? In response to the prospective ban, the platform has actively cooperated with officials and working to resolve security and privacy issues. Additionally, TikTok has improved their content filtering procedures and published transparency reports in an effort to be more accountable and open.
By providing clear information to users about data practices, TikTok aims to build trust and ensure users are well-informed on how their information is handled. They’ve also emphasized the significance of open communication with regulators to reach solutions advantageous to the platform and users.
The beloved app has offered an amusing, creative space for individuals to express themselves through quick videos. To illustrate, TikTok's “Community” feature facilitates connection and teamwork among users, while its algorithm presents tailored material to maintain user engagement. Gen Z is the source of the app's appeal for its contributions of varied information, challenges, and trends.
As controversy rages on, one question remains: is the TikTok potential ban justified or an overreaction?
Barry students, like Rosean Wayne and Tommy Hill, believe the potential TikTok ban is an overreaction.
“I keep hearing about the ban all over social media, and it’s unfortunate since so many people have used TikTok as an outlet and created careers off of it,” said political science sophomore Rosean Wayne. “Although I understand the reasoning on why our government is taking these actions, I do believe it is an overreaction. In my personal opinion... the app should of course be monitored for the potential of other countries collecting data from users: I don’t believe a full ban is necessary.”
The latest social media ban imposed in Florida is a tangible manifestation of reality.
“I have seen a lot of content pop up on most social media platforms regarding the potential ban of TikTok. I don't agree with the ban of TikTok unless there's proof that the app poses a legitimate national security concern,” said communications sophomore Tommy Hill. “Until I see that, then I think we should take all this news with a grain of salt.”