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With more and more talk about a possible TikTok ban, many Americans (and especially teens!)are left wondering whether their fave social media platform is really at risk. We're here to clear up the confusion—here’s everything you need to know about the TikTok ban everyone is talking about rn. 

Why is TikTok possibly getting banned?

For years, U.S. government officials have expressed major concerns about TikTok’s potential security risks. The app’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, and government experts worry that American user data might be accessed by foreign operations. These fears have fueled debates over the app’s safety and led to significant government action (Enter: the possible TikTok ban).

In 2021, President Biden stated that ByteDance “continues to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States", so in response, he signed a bill banning TikTok from all U.S. government-owned devices. But there are still concerns about how TikTok's rumored data-collecting might pose a threat to the average scroller.

When will the ban take effect?

Currently, the U.S. government is still pressuring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a different, American-owned company. If this doesn’t happen by January 19, TikTok will face potential nationwide ban. The final countdown is on, leaving the app’s future uncertain. 

How will the ban impact me?

The possible ban on TikTok would usher in a handful of changes—some good, some not-so-good. On one hand, it might lead to a decrease in screen time for teens, which could prove beneficial for mental health and productivity. On the other hand, many TikTok users are likely to turn to other platforms like Instagram Reels, Lemon8 or new social media apps that may emerge to fill the gap.

For smaller TikTok creators just starting to grow their platforms, the ban could be especially devastating. Without TikTok, they might lose opportunities to connect with audiences and gain visibility. It could also become harder for fans to keep up with their favorite influencers, potentially shifting the social media world in unpredictable ways.

What’s next?

As the January 2025 deadline approaches, we're all waiting on ByteDance to make a move, and see if an agreement can be reached. Whether TikTok gets sold or banned, this decision will likely have a lasting impact on how social media is regulated and consumed in the future.

In the meantime, if you are an avid user of TikTok, start exploring alternative platforms and consider how you can stay creative and connected—even if TikTok becomes a platform of the past! 

Want the latest on TikTok? Check out these related stories;
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by Lila Walter | 12/12/2024