TikTok, is the widely used app that was built around and actually popularized the short video clip format of social media. Widely used? Popularized? These words aren’t nearly grandiose enough to explain the popularity of the social media platform that began in 2016 in China by ByteDance LTD. It expanded to the US in 2017. Today, it is the fifth most popular social media app in the world behind Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Note that Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are owned by Meta. YouTube is owned by Alphabet (Google).
TikTok has been in the crosshairs of the US Government for a few
years now. From the executive office to the
Congress. Politicos, on both sides of
the aisle, have expressed concerns about this Chinese owned app. It is one of the few issues that is not part
of the polarization that has gripped this country for over a decade. What is the issue? Why is the government so concerned about this
foreign owned app? The United States has
expressed concerns about TikTok for several reasons:
- Data
Privacy and Security: One of the primary concerns is related
to data privacy and security. TikTok, owned by the Chinese company
ByteDance, collects a vast amount of user data, including location
information, browsing history, and device information. There are worries
that this data could be accessed or misused by the Chinese government,
given China's strict control over its tech companies. The crucial point is the National
Intelligence Law enacted in 2017, which compels Chinese organizations to
cooperate with state intelligence work.
If the Chinese government wants access to all of the information
TikTok has collected, ByteDance must comply. This is quite concerning to many of
elected, appointed, and career government officials. Many US companies have banned TikTok
from any company devices and even personal devices that have access to
company email. This concern is not
limited to the US. The European Union administration has all banned
TikTok on staff devices, citing cybersecurity concerns.
- National
Security: The concern extends to national security
risks. The fear is that TikTok's data collection practices could be
exploited to gather intelligence on American citizens, influence public
opinion, or conduct other activities that could undermine U.S. national security
interests.
- Censorship
and Content Control: There are also concerns about censorship
and content control. TikTok has faced criticism for allegedly censoring
content that is critical of the Chinese government or topics deemed
sensitive by Chinese authorities. This raises questions about freedom of
expression and the platform's potential role in shaping public discourse. It should be noted that China has banned
access to Meta and Alphabet products/apps since 2009. The do it for a combination of censorship,
national security, and to give their one social media apps the opportunity
to refine and grow before unleashing them internationally.
- Regulatory
Compliance: Another issue is whether TikTok complies
with U.S. laws and regulations regarding data protection, cybersecurity,
and foreign influence. Regulatory compliance and transparency in how user
data is handled are essential aspects that authorities monitor closely.
- Competition and Market Influence: TikTok's rapid rise in popularity and its dominance in the social media landscape have also raised concerns about competition and market influence. Some argue that TikTok's success could lead to unfair competition practices or give a foreign entity too much control over the digital experiences of American users.
These concerns have led to various actions and discussions within the U.S. government, including calls for investigations, potential bans, or efforts to compel TikTok to address these issues through measures such as data localization (storing user data within the U.S.) or ownership restructuring to distance itself from Chinese control. The House of Representatives passed a bill earlier this month saying that TikTok needs to sold, presumably to a US based corporation, or face a ban here. There is at least one venture capital group preparing to make an offer. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
While our concerns about TikTok might bear merit, we are not as concerned about the Alphabet and Meta apps that have many of the same privacy and cybersecurity fallibilities. What is not of concern is the impact on productivity and the impact on the sense and sensibility of our people especially our young people. I imagine anyone that has looked at TikToks and ‘reels’ on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube is aware of just how many hours can be spent, or rather squandered, watching these entertaining and addictive little videos. I am no psychologist, but I imagine TikTok would fall into the same category of the negatives explored in the sobering documentary, The Social Dilemma, which one can watch on Netflix and other video streaming services. While National Security and Cybersecurity are critical issues to be concerned about, we should also address the impact that ALL of these apps have on all of us.
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