The potential ban of TikTok in the US, set to occur on January 19, has sparked a debate about its effects on users, tech companies, and the future of online content. The Supreme Court’s decision on this matter, influenced by national security concerns, could drastically change the way millions of Americans use the popular video-sharing platform. But what exactly will happen if TikTok is banned, and how can users continue accessing the app?
Impact on TikTok Users and Access
If TikTok is banned, one of the first measures would likely be the removal of the app from major app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store. This would make it unavailable for new downloads in the US. However, existing users would still have the app on their devices. The major downside would be the lack of future updates, which could lead to bugs and security vulnerabilities. Security holes could make TikTok more susceptible to hacking, as the app would no longer receive necessary updates to address such issues.
Although the app might no longer be available through official channels, tech-savvy users could bypass the ban using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which mask their location, making it appear as if they are in another country. Changing the region of app stores or downloading APKs (Android installation files) from the internet might also allow continued access, but these methods come with risks, such as violating terms of service and potentially breaking the law.
In response to this, the government may take additional steps to block access through VPNs or prevent internet hosting services from facilitating the app’s use. Despite these efforts, those determined to access TikTok might find workarounds, though their experience would be far from seamless.
The Possible Government Response
There are other ways the US government could enforce a TikTok ban. India’s 2020 ban of the app saw internet providers block TikTok access entirely. In a similar move, the US could prevent users from accessing the app through any means. TikTok could potentially identify users based on their phone numbers or other data, preventing access and displaying a message saying the app is unavailable in the US. The app’s cooperation with the government could make this strategy more effective, but it’s uncertain if that will happen.
Could Former President Trump Intervene?
While President Biden’s administration has taken a firm stance against TikTok, former President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to a full ban. Though he cannot overturn a law passed by the courts, he could direct the Department of Justice to refrain from enforcing it. This would create a paradox where the law would technically be in place, but companies like Apple and Google might be told not to enforce it, thus allowing TikTok to remain available despite the legal framework.
Alternative Platforms for TikTok Users
If TikTok is banned, its rivals stand to gain significantly. Instagram Reels, owned by Meta, and YouTube Shorts, owned by Google, are the most obvious alternatives, as both platforms offer similar features for short-form video content. TikTok’s users, including creators and advertisers, may flock to these platforms to maintain their presence in the short-video content space.
Meta, particularly, would likely see a boost in ad revenue from marketers who would shift their budgets away from TikTok, much like what happened in India after its TikTok ban. Other platforms like Twitch, which specializes in livestreaming, and RedNote (Xiaohongshu), a growing Chinese app, could also see increased engagement from former TikTok users. However, none of these platforms can replicate the exact experience that TikTok offers, especially its in-app shopping feature, TikTok Shop, which has become a significant money-maker for creators in the US.
Will TikTok Be Sold?
The potential sale of TikTok has remained a topic of speculation, with various potential buyers, including business magnates like Elon Musk and Steve Mnuchin, expressing interest. While ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has denied any current plans to sell, a forced sale due to legal pressure could become more likely if the ban is enacted. In fact, there have been reports that billionaires, such as former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, have raised significant funds to purchase TikTok in the US, demonstrating the potential value of the platform despite the looming uncertainty.
Despite the various challenges TikTok faces in the US, its fate remains up in the air, and the outcome will likely set a precedent for how international tech companies are regulated in the future. However, with fierce competition on the horizon and new opportunities for other platforms, the landscape of social media content is on the verge of a major shift.
By
