The concerns raised by the United States regarding the use of TikTok on government-owned devices led to restrictions on its usage during the Trump administration. However, under President Joe Biden’s leadership, a comprehensive ban was implemented on the video messaging app owned by the Chinese conglomerate ByteDance owner Zhang Yiming. The primary rationale behind this nationwide prohibition was rooted in national security considerations.
This move prompted several other nations to follow suit and impose bans on the Chinese mobile entertainment application. Notable instances include:
1.) Afghanistan – In 2022, TikTok was banned due to concerns about national security and its potential negative influence on the younger population. The ban was extended to include PUBG as well.
2.) Australia – TikTok was barred from use on federal devices.
3.) Belgium – Restricted usage only on federal devices.
4.) Canada – TikTok ban extended to government-issued devices.
5.) Denmark – The app was banned on all devices issued by the defense ministry.
6.) European Union – The European Parliament, European Commission, and EU Council prohibited the use of TikTok on devices owned by staff and lawmakers.
7.) France – Usage was banned on government-issued devices.
8.) India – A nationwide ban was implemented across all devices.
9.) Latvia – A ban was enforced on foreign ministry smartphones.
10.) Netherlands – The Dutch government issued a TikTok ban on its devices.
11.) New Zealand
12.) Norway
13.) Pakistan – A temporary ban was instituted.
14.) Taiwan
15.) Japan
16.) United Kingdom
17.) New York City – A region-wide ban on TikTok was implemented separately.
A study by the business research firm Bernstein revealed that the ban could potentially benefit other online service providers such as Meta, Snapchat, and Google. These platforms could see a significant increase in viewership for short-video content, translating into substantial advertising revenues of over $8 billion daily for each company.
In a related survey conducted by Reuters, it was found that more than half of American adults (approximately 53%) supported the idea of banning the Chinese-owned social media app. TikTok has amassed a staggering revenue of over $140 billion for the company to date.
However, the question of the advantages of enforcing a TikTok ban arises. Here are some points to consider:
a.) Opportunity for Other Platforms: The ban could prompt small companies to shift their marketing efforts to alternative platforms, benefiting different firms and diversifying revenue streams.
b.) Impact on Businesses: TikTok’s wide user base, particularly among younger audiences, has made it a powerful marketing tool for apparel and electronics companies. A ban could lead to revenue losses as they lose a valuable marketing channel.
c.) Complexity of Data Security: While data security and privacy are vital concerns, banning an application( having 1billion active users worldwide) solely due to its Chinese origin may not be practical. The global electronics industry relies heavily on components manufactured in China, raising questions about the consistency of this approach.
In conclusion, the ban on TikTok, initiated by the United States and followed by other nations, has triggered a series of consequences affecting various sectors. The debate surrounding its benefits and implications continues to evolve, with considerations extending beyond national security to encompass economic and technological dimensions.
