TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms of today. With its algorithm catering to each and every single user, it is easy to understand why it has become a juggernaut for sharing content and information. Naturally, TikTok has become many people’s main news source as it encourages creators to deliver information in a timely manner — typically under a minute.
Since 2020, the American government has expressed interest in banning TikTok, citing that it “poses a national security risk” from China. TikTok actually followed through with the ban, shutting down in the United States for a grand total of 14 hours. Either TikTok is really bad at commitment or there was more going on behind the scenes.
The Biden administration made a statement claiming that TikTok’s threat to go dark on Sunday, Jan. 19th was a stunt and there was no reason for TikTok to shut itself down before President-elect Donald Trump was sworn in on the 20th. Considering this whole ordeal just so happened to occur around the time of President Trump’s inauguration, it certainly seems like the TikTok ban was an overblown publicity stunt to garner the support of a younger audience.
Fascist countries ban apps.That does not appear to be the goal here. It is quite suspicious that the message that popped up after the ban was supportive of President Trump, who was the one who signed the executive order to ban it in 2020.
The message from TikTok reads, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!” This message is about as subtle as a brick to the face.
“Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support,” the post-ban message read. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” This whole stunt was bizarre to say the least, considering President Trump was not yet in office. Therefore, it is safe to assume there is probably more to the TikTok ‘ban’ than we will likely ever know. Furthermore, the app seemingly favoring right-leaning politics rather than being more neutral is concerning for the future of not only TikTok, but social media as a whole, in America.