The TikTok Ban: A Misguided Approach to National Security

Author: Talena Gipson

The proposal to ban TikTok in the United States has sparked fierce debates between US citizens vs their government, framed as a matter of national security. However, this policy decision is littered with inconsistencies and fails to address the broader issues it claims to solve. Rather than safeguarding Americans, a TikTok ban would restrict free expression, harm small businesses, and set a dangerous precedent for digital freedom.

TikTok’s popularity among Americans, particularly younger generations, is undeniable. With over 170 million U.S. users, the platform serves as a hub for creativity, information, and entrepreneurship. From viral challenges and music to grassroots political movements, TikTok has become a digital community that empowers voices previously unheard. This unique space is now at risk of being banned under the guise of protecting national security.

The concerns over TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and potential data misuse are not without some merit. However, banning the app outright is a disproportionate solution. Data privacy issues are not exclusive to TikTok; American tech giants like Facebook and Google have faced similar accusations, yet they remain untouched comparably. This hypocrisy is further underscored by reports of aggressive lobbying efforts by Meta, Facebook's parent company, to sway lawmakers against TikTok. Documents from TikTok Inc. and ByteDance Ltd., submitted in the case of TikTok v. Garland, highlights that the company’s data handling practices align with industry standards, raising questions about why TikTok is being singled out when domestic companies pose similar, if not more risks. By targeting one platform while ignoring others, lawmakers are not only failing to address systemic vulnerabilities but also succumbing to the influence of corporations.

Furthermore, a ban would devastate countless small businesses and creators who rely on the platform for income and exposure. TikTok has revolutionized marketing, enabling individuals and small enterprises to reach a global audience without a hefty advertising budget. The app has been instrumental in transforming peoples passion projects into thriving businesses, particularly for marginalized groups who have historically lacked access to traditional opportunities. Removing this tool undermines the very entrepreneurial spirit lawmakers claim to support.

From a geopolitical standpoint, banning TikTok risks escalating tensions with China while providing no real benefit. It also sends a troubling message to the world: that the United States is willing to sacrifice digital freedom to advance both political and corporate interests. This action contradicts the values of openness and innovation that have defined the American approach to technology for decades. The Supreme Court case also underscores that such actions could infringe on First Amendment protections, as TikTok is a medium for expression and information sharing.

Lastly, the proposed ban raises serious First Amendment concerns. TikTok is not merely an entertainment app; it is a way of connection. Silencing it would restrict the rights of millions to share their voices, ideas, and culture. The government’s role should be to protect these freedoms, not ban them on the basis of fear and could be.

If national security is truly the priority, then lawmakers must take a thoughtful approach. This includes passing bipartisan data protection laws, investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, and fostering global cooperation on digital policy. Targeting TikTok alone is both shortsighted and ineffective.

The TikTok ban is more than just a policy misstep; it is a direct threat to the principles of creativity, innovation, and freedom that define us. Instead of banning TikTok, let’s address the root issues and build a digital future that is secure, and open to all.

Sources

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24-656/336136/20241227160309446_24-656%20ts.pdf

https://sf16-va.tiktokcdn.com/obj/eden-va2/hkluhazhjeh7jr/2024.06.20%20-%20TT%20v.%20Garland%20-%20%5B2060743%5D%20Brief%20of%20Petitioners%20TikTok%20Inc%20and%20ByteDance%20Ltd.pdf