Will Trump's TikTok Ban Survive Biden's Inaction?

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Post on Jan 18, 2025

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Will Trump's TikTok Ban Survive Biden's Inaction? The Lingering Threat to the Popular App

The fate of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, hanging in the balance as President Biden's administration seemingly lets former President Trump's attempted ban languish. While the initial executive orders aimed at prohibiting the popular video-sharing app were met with legal challenges and ultimately stalled, the underlying national security concerns haven't disappeared. This leaves many wondering: what's next for TikTok and its millions of American users?

The Trump Administration's Assault on TikTok:

In 2020, the Trump administration issued executive orders citing national security risks associated with TikTok's Chinese ownership, ByteDance. The orders aimed to force a complete sale of TikTok's US operations or face a nationwide ban. This aggressive approach sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about censorship, free speech, and the broader implications of government intervention in the tech sector. The proposed sale to Oracle and Walmart, while seemingly a compromise, never materialized, leaving the future of the app shrouded in uncertainty.

Legal Battles and Stalled Negotiations:

The Trump administration's executive orders faced significant legal hurdles. Multiple lawsuits were filed, challenging the government's authority to ban a foreign-owned company without due process. These legal challenges, coupled with the transition to a new administration, effectively put the ban on hold.

Biden's Approach: A Strategy of Inaction?

President Biden's administration has yet to take decisive action on TikTok. While concerns regarding data security and potential Chinese government influence persist, the administration has adopted a seemingly more measured approach. The lack of immediate action might be interpreted as a strategy of inaction, prioritizing other pressing matters or pursuing a less confrontational path to address the risks associated with TikTok.

The Lingering National Security Concerns:

Despite the lack of immediate action, the national security concerns that fueled the initial ban attempts remain relevant. These concerns primarily revolve around:

• Data Privacy: Concerns about the potential for the Chinese government to access user data collected by TikTok.
• Algorithmic Control: Potential for manipulation of the TikTok algorithm to influence user behavior or spread misinformation.
• Censorship: Concerns about the potential for the Chinese government to influence content moderation policies on the platform.

These concerns aren't easily dismissed, and the Biden administration's apparent inaction doesn't signal their disappearance.

What's Next for TikTok in the US?

The future of TikTok remains uncertain. While a complete ban appears less likely under the Biden administration, the underlying national security concerns aren't going away. Several potential scenarios remain:

• Negotiated Agreement: A potential agreement between ByteDance, the US government, and potentially a US-based partner could address data security concerns. This would likely involve significant changes to TikTok's operations and data handling practices.
• Increased Scrutiny: Increased regulatory oversight and audits of TikTok's operations could be implemented to mitigate national security risks.
• Continued Stalemate: The situation could remain unresolved, with TikTok operating in a legally gray area, subject to ongoing debate and potential future government action.

The Bottom Line: While the immediate threat of a complete TikTok ban may have lessened under the Biden administration, the underlying issues remain. The future of the app in the US hinges on finding a balance between national security concerns and the rights of millions of American users. The coming months will be critical in determining the outcome. Keep an eye on developments – the TikTok saga is far from over.