In a world where viral dances, trends and memes are as much a part of daily life as checking the weather, the recent and potential future ban of TikTok in the U.S. has left millions of users scrambling to adapt while policymakers debate its future in the name of national security.
On Jan. 19, TikTok displayed a message to its users that said, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S, unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
This message was in place for about 14 hours before TikTok was back online with a message that said,“Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S!” The second announcement was met with relief by most users. Some were less enthusiastic.
Alvin Diaz Rivera, an undergraduate music and sound recording major, said he hoped the platform would be banned. “Good. I hope it is. As a producer of media myself, ultra short form content has ruined people’s ability to maintain contact with whatever they’re in contact with,” he said.
Sebastian Verdesoto, an undergraduate interior design major said, “I wasn’t upset with the ban. I use Instagram reels more often and have understood why the government is skeptical about the app.”
U.S. officials warned users that TikTok was a national security threat and an invasion of American privacy, and said that the Chinese company would access American data and what their interests are.
TikTok, in fear of a ban, implemented “Project Texas” in 2022. The initiative provided users with security that their data was secure and not influenced by outside forces. The U.S. government was still not convinced.
Dr. Olena Lennon, practitioner in residence at the university’s Department of National Security, said, “Since TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, is a Chinese company, it is legally obligated to follow the Chinese government’s orders, which may include a request to access TikTok users’ data.”
“TikTok threatens American national security because the Chinese government could use the app to spy on Americans or manipulate the U.S. public opinion by amplifying or suppressing certain content and spreading misinformation,” said Lennon. “China’s systematic cyber espionage against the American public and private entities with the purpose of stealing personal information, intellectual property, government secrets, or sowing discord among Americans has been a source of U.S.-China tensions for decades.”
A permanent ban would mean the 170 million users and more than 7 million small businesses that use TikTok would be without this source of product distribution. Influencers who generate funds through content would also lose their platforms. The university has its own TikTok account with more than 2,000 followers that could be lost if TikTok faces a permanent ban.
Ian Sacci, social media manager for The Triboro Sports Show, a radio show on 88.7 WNHU, said the ban was “frustrating” and “inconvenient.”
“Most of our audience is viewing clips of our show on TikTok,” said Sacci.“It is also a lot worse for those people who rely on TikTok to make ends meet, to promote their business or brand.” He also said alternatives to TikTok are limited.
“We have a decent following on Instagram, but posting the same content within the guidelines of time duration would be different as there isn’t one on TikTok,” Sacci said.
Currently, the app could be banned after a 75-day delay. “[Trump] may choose to become the “savior” of a beloved social media platform to win the hearts and minds of the young people,” said Lennon. “Both outcomes are equally possible. I think Trump wants to leave his options open at this point.”
TikTok has since been re-added to the app store, making it so the American public can once again purchase the app until a decision on the ban has been made.
