The TikTok ban is really about control, not content

As the US contemplates an outright ban on TikTok, the app, which boasts over 170 million users in the country, finds itself entangled in ongoing debates about privacy and national security. The ban discussions first emerged on January 19, 2021, a day before the inauguration of then-President Donald Trump, indicating heightened tensions surrounding technology and geopolitical strategy. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is exploring avenues to oppose the ruling, including a potential appeal to the US Supreme Court or a sale of the app to an American owner. However, the ban isn't an isolated incident; India already instituted a complete ban on TikTok back in 2020, citing concerns about privacy and threats to national sovereignty. As fears have grown regarding the app's ties to the Chinese government, the US has implemented various federal and state bans, particularly emphasizing risks associated with content manipulation and propaganda. At the same time, TikTok has experienced significant growth, tallying 52 million downloads in the US alone last year, despite ongoing scrutiny. The FBI and other judicial bodies express concerns that ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government could lead to harmful content influencing American users. The situation has led to a charged atmosphere surrounding the app, where questions about censorship arise alongside legitimate security concerns. TikTok argues that banning the platform would infringe upon free speech rights, particularly as political discussions surge due to the upcoming presidential inauguration. Just as the Supreme Court gears up to hear the case regarding the app, it stands at the intersection of a wider geopolitical struggle, raising questions about the implications of emerging technologies on the future of communication and citizen engagement.