The popular app is facing serious threats in the United States due to concerns about its potential risks to national security.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform that was released in September 2016 by the Chinese Internet company ByteDance. This app allows people to watch, create, and share short videos online and has become very popular since.

When was the TikTok bill introduced?

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Application Act (PAFACA), known as The Tiktok Bill, was introduced to Congress in March 2023 to address concerns about the potential risks, aiming to force ByteDance to sell the app within the next 12 months or have it banned from the U.S. app stores. 

What is the reasoning for its banning?

U.S. officials fear that the Chinese government could use TikTok to access data from American users, spy on them, and spread disinformation and conspiracy theories. They worry that ByteDance may be forced by Chinese authorities to hand over user data, putting American citizens at risk. President Joe Biden signed the TikTok bill into law on April 24, 2024.

What is the response in this case?

Many content creators who make money by posting videos on TikTok are worried about a possible ban since it could hurt their income and take away a place where they can share their videos. 

What happens after their decision?

The signing of the bill does not mean that TikTok will just disappear from people's phones; instead, you won't be able to update it, and over time, it will have some glitches and limitations.

If you would like to learn more about the TikTok bill, here is an article by Evan C. Zoldan that lets us know why the government is concerned and what's in jeopardy for the popular app.