3 hours ago
7
January 20, 2025 | 02:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The social media platform TikTok is back in operation in the United States (US) after being temporarily closed on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The restoration of the Chinese application service was carried out after the US President-elect, Donald Trump, made a statement ahead of his inauguration day.
Although TikTok was not banned in the United States, a number of countries are known to have blocked TikTok, including partial bans. The TikTok ban policy taken by these countries was based on global concerns about the impact of this application, both in terms of data security, political stability, and influence on society.
However, the ban on TikTok in a number of countries has sparked debate regarding freedom of expression and its impact on the digital economy. So, what do experts or academics think about the trend of many countries banning TikTok?
US Media and Political Communication Expert, Cayce Myers
Cayce Myers shared his thoughts on the significance and consequences of the TikTok ban policy. He gave his views while commenting on the US Supreme Court which passed a new law to ban the Chinese social media application, which opened a new path in the social media landscape.
"The US Supreme Court's decision regarding TikTok is a pivotal moment for social media and its operations in the United States. The per curiam court decision underscores the uniqueness of the technology, its far-reaching impact, and the national security implications of its operation,” Myers said as quoted by Virginia Technology, Friday, January 17, 2025.
Mayers argued that the decision represents a major shift in digital sovereignty, and shows the delicate balance between national security concerns, free speech, and the global digital economy.
Ohio University Computer Science Academic, Chad Mourning
Chad Mourning said that while banning TikTok may seem like a neat solution, it does not eliminate the risks associated with data privacy and national security.
“In fact, recent antitrust decisions requiring companies to allow multiple app stores will likely lead to people illegally distributing the TikTok app and its updates,” Chad Mourning said, as quoted by the Ohio University page.
Chad Mourning compared it to previous attempts to shut down platforms like The Pirate Bay, a popular peer-to-peer file-sharing website, suggesting that even if TikTok is banned, users will find ways to bypass the restrictions.
This, she said, could lead to increased cybersecurity risks as users could inadvertently expose themselves to malicious apps. Untrustworthy apps could hide malware in the same way that pirated streaming sessions do.
“A new breed of cybersecurity scams will emerge promising people illegal access to TikTok and they’ll end up with compromised devices,” she said.
Ohio University Media Law Expert, Aimee Edmondson
Aimee Edmondson argues that legislative bans of TikTok like this often feel like a quick fix to legitimate policy issues, but have unintended consequences for free expression.
Edmondson then suggested that TikTok should provide a space where diverse voices can share ideas and mobilize on important issues. She warned that bans could disproportionately impact these communities by limiting the use of existing public forums.
“Users who are disenfranchised, those who are not as politically savvy or don’t have a lot of money, could certainly be affected, including younger generations who may not have the political capital to fight back effectively,” Edmondson said. “For certain communities, TikTok is a marketplace of ideas or a public space—their town hall.”
The ban also raises concerns about public trust in government. Edmondson noted that actions like this potential ban, while framed as protecting national security, can often erode public trust in the government’s commitment to basic rights like free speech.
Editor’s Choice: TikTok Resumes Operations in the U.S. Ahead of Trump's Inauguration
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
TikTok Resumes Operations in the U.S. Ahead of Trump's Inauguration
1 jam lalu
The Chinese social media platform TikTok was banned in the US over security concerns.
TikTok Resumes Services in the U.S. with Trump's Assurance, Ending Closure Plans
3 jam lalu
TikTok has resumed its services in the U.S. on Sunday, January 19, 2025, local time. Donald Trump has changed his stance.
TikTok Officially Shut Down in the U.S., Disappearing from Apple and Google Stores
1 hari lalu
TikTok officially stopped operating in the United States (U.S.) on Saturday night and disappeared from the Apple and Google app stores.
Countries Dropping the Dollar: The Rise of De-Dollarization
2 hari lalu
Find out countries dropping the dollar in global trade, from Russia to China to India, driving the rise of de-dollarization in the global economy.
8 Countries with Highest Tax Rates in 2025, Strict Tax Regulations
3 hari lalu
This article uncovers the list of countries with the highest taxes in the world, where the figure exceeds 50% with strict regulations applied.
5 Best Tax-Free Countries in 2025: Pleasant Places to Live
3 hari lalu
As income tax becomes a universal concern, these best tax-free countries remain desirable places for people willing to renounce their citizenship.
Top 10 Tax Haven Countries in 2024, List of Destinations with Low Taxes
3 hari lalu
Discover the top 10 tax haven countries in 2024, offering low taxes and financial advantages, especially for foreign businesses and individuals.
10 Best Countries to Study Abroad, Alternatives to Canada
3 hari lalu
Discover our list of best countries to study abroad in, all Canada alternatives with top-notch education and even tuition-free study programs.
Cybersecurity Expert Warns of RedNote Risks Ahead TikTok U.S. Ban
3 hari lalu
The social media app RedNote, or Xiaohongshu, has topped the App Store ahead of TikTok's potential ban in the United States.
Human Rights Watch: ICC Needs to be Protected from US Sanctions
4 hari lalu
Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on the EU to take action to counter the US threat of sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC).
