The United States government is pushing for the forced sale of TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, citing security concerns. However, this narrative crumbles under scrutiny. Despite complying with US regulations, TikTok, valued at a staggering $300 billion, faces the possibility of a ban, raising questions about the true motives behind this push.
There’s no denying TikTok’s dominance among young Americans. With an average daily usage of 90 minutes compared to YouTube’s 60 minutes and Facebook’s 45 minutes for users under 35, TikTok reigns supreme.
The proposed TikTok ban transcends typical partisan divides. A vote for the ban garnered a staggering 352 votes in favor, with only 65 opposing it. This kind of bipartisan agreement is a rarity in today’s political landscape, especially on issues like healthcare and border security.
However, the question remains: what concrete evidence exists that TikTok poses a security threat? Have they misused user data or been caught working on behalf of any foreign government ? The answer is a resounding no.
In fact, the US has a thriving data brokerage industry. The CIA and other government agencies are regular customers, openly purchasing data on the market. This begs the question: why the double standard?
American companies like Apple and Microsoft operate freely in China, albeit under specific regulations. Similarly, foreign media companies can function in China as long as they adhere to local internet laws. The major stipulation is user data storage within China, which mirrors the US government’s requirements for social media platforms operating domestically. Companies like Facebook have refused to comply with this requirement in China.
Conversely, TikTok has demonstrably met all US demands for ethical and legal operation. All user data is stored on Oracle servers situated within Texas. “I haven’t heard exactly what we have done that is wrong,” lamented the TikTok CEO after repeated congressional hearings. Despite these efforts, politicians haven’t provided a single instance of wrongdoing by TikTok.
The line of questioning by Senator Tom Cotton (Arkansas) further exposes the underlying tension. His approach was arguably unprofessional and tinged with racism. This spectacle casts a shadow on the true motivations behind the ban – a desire to suppress a successful Chinese company, not legitimate security concerns.
The proposed ban on TikTok paints a picture of a United States feeling insecure and threatened by a competitor with a massive $300 billion valuation. This action has more to do with geopolitics and potentially financial motives than safeguarding national security. Open dialogue and fair competition would be a far more constructive approach.