TikTok, the popular social media app that has become a global phenomenon, is facing renewed scrutiny over its potential implications for national security. The Chinese-owned platform has been the subject of controversy for some time, with concerns being raised about its connections to the Chinese Government and the potential risks it poses to American security.

A TikTok spokesperson said in a press conference, “We’re disappointed to see this rushed piece of legislation move forward, despite its considerable negative impact on the free speech rights of millions of Americans who use and love TikTok.” (CNBC)

As of January, the White House has issued a removal of TikTok from all government-issued devices within 30 days. This move is part of broader efforts to secure American digital infrastructure, security, and privacy.

However, the ban on TikTok from government devices may just be the tip of the iceberg. House Republicans are attempting to pass a bill that would give President Joe Biden the authority to enact nationwide bans on TikTok and other software applications that threaten national security.

The concerns about TikTok’s potential for espionage operations were raised by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who argued that Chinese officials could control the app’s algorithm to collect data on users that could be used for traditional espionage operations. (USA Today)

There are also concerns that the app could be used to spread misinformation or influence American opinion, which could have significant implications for the country’s democratic processes.

These concerns have been further aggravated by recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the US-China trade war. As tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, there is growing concern about the potential risks posed by Chinese-owned technology companies.

Given these concerns, it is uncertain whether Congress or the Biden administration will move to ban all access to the app nationwide. However, Senator Josh Hawley and Representative Ken Buck introduced legislation in January to ban the app from being downloaded on any U.S. device. It is to note that Ken Buck is representing Colorado in congress.

Hayden Pollman (23) said, “I’ll definitely miss TikTok if it gets banned, but I think it will be a good thing because a lot of kids spend way too much time on it.” On any given day, students at EHS can be found scrolling through TikTok, but they may have to find a new social media app in the near future.

The possibility of a nationwide ban on TikTok raises significant questions about the future of social media and the role of foreign-owned technology companies in American society. As the debate over the app’s future continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and what impact they will have on the wider tech industry.