Biden's TikTok Policy: Awaiting Trump's Legacy On The App

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Post on Jan 18, 2025

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Biden's TikTok Policy: Awaiting Trump's Legacy on the App

The fate of TikTok in the United States hangs precariously in the balance, a lingering legacy of the Trump administration's attempts to ban the popular short-form video app. While President Biden has yet to fully unveil a concrete TikTok policy, his administration's actions suggest a continuation of the fraught relationship between the US government and the Chinese-owned platform, raising significant questions about national security, data privacy, and the future of social media regulation.

This article delves into the current state of the Biden administration's approach to TikTok, examining the ongoing legal battles, the potential for a compromise, and the broader implications for tech companies operating in the US.

Trump's Executive Orders: The Precedent

The Trump administration's attempts to ban TikTok, initiated through a series of executive orders in 2020, cited national security concerns stemming from the app's ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company. These orders alleged potential for data harvesting and manipulation by the Chinese government. However, these executive orders faced significant legal challenges, ultimately failing to result in a complete ban before Trump left office.

• National Security Concerns: The core argument revolved around the potential for the Chinese government to access user data or influence content on the platform.
• Data Privacy Violations: Concerns were raised about the extent of data collection and the potential for misuse of personal information.
• Legal Challenges: The executive orders faced significant legal hurdles and challenges from TikTok, leading to ongoing court battles.

Biden's Approach: A Cautious Stance

The Biden administration has adopted a more measured approach, seemingly opting to prioritize a comprehensive review of national security risks posed by TikTok and other foreign-owned applications rather than outright banning. While no outright ban has been implemented, the administration has actively explored alternative solutions.

• Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) Review: The Biden administration continues to engage with CFIUS, which has been reviewing TikTok’s operations and potential national security risks. This ongoing review is a key component of the current policy.
• Data Security Negotiations: Discussions have centered around potential data security agreements and mitigation strategies to address concerns without resorting to a full ban. This includes exploring independent audits and enhanced data security measures.
• Focus on Mitigation, Not Elimination: Instead of a complete ban, the Biden administration appears to be focused on developing strategies to mitigate the risks posed by TikTok, showcasing a pragmatic, albeit cautious, approach.

The Future of TikTok in the US: Uncertain Outcomes

The future of TikTok's presence in the US remains uncertain. While a complete ban seems less likely under the Biden administration, the possibility of significant regulatory restrictions or forced divestiture remains very real. The ongoing CFIUS review will play a pivotal role in shaping the ultimate outcome.

What's Next? The coming months will be crucial. The results of the CFIUS review, coupled with the outcome of any further negotiations, will determine the long-term trajectory of TikTok in the United States. This situation serves as a crucial case study in the intersection of national security, technology, and international relations.

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