With a billion monthly users, TikTok might stop operations in the US amidst the recent ban called out by the FCC commissioner.
TikTok is a social media app packed with drama and entertainment. From fashion, food, and travel to beauty, technology, and sports, this app has become a mode of expression and learning for its viewers through its fun videos.
Almost every other day, videos are also getting viral about a certain TikToker or celebrity. But sometimes these viral videos also contribute to creating awareness about multiple societal issues like sexual harassment. In this way, TikTok has both positive and negative impacts.
Owned by China-based owner, ByteDance, the app’s user privacy policies have come under severe scrutiny. Due to this reason, FCC commissioner Brendan Carr urged the Committee on Foreign Investment and Congress to take action to ban the app.
Why ban TikTok?
Carr said that TikTok has no path forward in the U.S. except for a complete ban. The reason for the ban is that the company’s Chinese owner can not be trusted with the private information of US-based owners.
China has a policy that all business owners should turn in any private information about the business if asked to. In these circumstances, Carr thinks that no treaty will be viable enough or ensure the security of US citizens using the app.
This year negotiations had been done between the Committee of Foreign Investment and TikTok officials, where TikTok told them that US-based user data has been sent to servers run by oracle. Despite this, Carr urges relevant authorities to ban the app, because a risk of data break is still there.
TikTok’s response to FCC ban
In a statement to CNN, Tikok’s spokesperson said “Commissioner Carr has no role in or direct knowledge of the confidential discussions with the US government related to TikTok and is not in a position to discuss what those negotiations entail”.
TikTok further said that they are in the process of reaching an agreement with the US government that will be a good solution for both parties and will not pose any national security concerns.
