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In 2020, a ban by the US government brought TikTok, which is popular all over the world, to the forefront.The then U.S. President Trump believed that TikTok "threats to the national security of the United States" and should be blocked.However, after many rounds of legal games and Trump's defeat in the general election, the matter was settled.
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I thought TikTok had escaped this catastrophe, but I didn't want the ban order to come back after three years.
In December last year, the U.S. Senate passed a bill called "No TikTok on Government Devices Act" (No TikTok on Government Devices Act), which prohibits federal officials from using TikTok on government devices (except in special circumstances).Half a month later, the bill was signed by Biden to take effect.
Which States and Universities Ban TikTok?
In addition to the federal ban, states across the United States have also pointed their fingers at TikTok on the grounds that they are "worried about the leakage of sensitive data of Americans."
So far, 32 states have enacted bills prohibiting state government agencies, employees and contractors from using TikTok on government-issued devices, but Americans can still use it on personal devices.
States that ban the use of TikTok, red is the ban led by the Republican Party, blue is the ban led by the Democratic Party, dark gray is the ban led by government-related agencies, and light gray is no ban
Since part of the ban is a state-level executive order, public universities are also affected.
According to statistics, dozens of universities, including Arkansas State University, Iowa State University, and University of Florida, have banned all teachers and students from using or connecting to school devices. The campus network uses TikTok.
List of Universities Banning TikTok on School Devices or Connecting to Campus Networks
Why did TikTok become a "thorn in the eye" again?
For a long time, American politicians have regarded TikTok as a major threat to national security.
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As early as 2021, Republican Senator Josh Hawley (Josh Hawley) said: "TikTok is a major security risk for the United States, and it should not appear on government equipment."
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According to Thad Kousser, a political science professor at the University of California, San Diego,Politicians in the U.S. may join forces because the ban is bipartisan.
"Republicans have long been hostile to China and its social media companies.Given the tense relationship between China and the United States on many fronts, including technology and the economy, the Democrats may also see the ban on TikTok as a winning opportunity,” Kusser analyzed.
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"Members in Congress are trying to expand the scope of the ban.Some Republicans even called for a complete ban on TikTok. This is an excellent opportunity for them to establish their image of being tough on China, and the Democrats don’t want to bow down,” Cusser pointed out.
TikTok's end is approaching?
The real test for TikTok may be yet to come.
Earlier this month, Senators Marco Rubio of Florida and Senator Angus King of Maine introduced additional bipartisan legislationBan TikTok across the United States unless it severes ties with its parent company, ByteDance.
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In recent days, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Chuck Schumer) has made headlines for supporting the ban on TikTok across the United States, which he has previously criticized.
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According to Anupam Chander, a professor of law and technology at Georgetown University,A federal-level ban must be imposed on TikTok, because there is a good chance that a law of this nature passed by a single state "fails to pass the requirements of the Constitution."
But Cheadle points out,At present, the states are just around the corner. Although their influence is still very limited, they are likely to prompt the federal government to take action.Bipartisan concerns about U.S.-China relations could also accelerate events.
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"Apparently, a cold war is brewing, and TikTok is the casualty,” Cheadle said.
TikTok, which was born under the name of "recording a better life", is now facing censorship in many countries. Whether TikTok should be banned, American netizens have something to say.
"I don't see a specific definition of 'threat' anywhere. Where is the real threat on TikTok? I play on it every day for entertainment, and I don't think it's more threatening than other apps. Can someone help us understand what Is it a 'threat'? Or at least explain what the U.S. government is referring to as a threat? I don't understand... Last year, the U.S. government seemed to want to cooperate with TikTok on election issues. I don't understand..."
“Maybe American social media companies and apps will do the same thing? Collect our information and submit it to the US government. Our government monitors us openly, but if the monitoring party is other countries, then they will draw a line. "
"We should ban TikTok because it's corrupting young minds, chronicating mental illness, and fueling antisocial behavior."
"Blocking TikTok is just to protect the monopoly position of technology giants. What you have to do is regulate, not block."
Do you play TikTok often?What is your opinion on this issue?
Text | Birdsong
List of Universities Banning TikTok on School Devices or Connecting to Campus Networks
