With the possibility of a TikTok ban on the table, opinions on whether it poses a threat to national security or violates Americans’ freedom of speech are at an all-time high. In disregard to these opinions, it is evident a ban would cause more harm than protection.
One of the main reasons TikTok is at risk of being banned is because of claims that it is a threat to national security; however, the information China collected from users has not proven to pose any significant danger. According to Security.com, 25% of parents think TikTok is the most dangerous social media platform, but it functions and collects data very similarly to other American-owned social media apps.
Solely calling out TikTok as a threat to privacy is hypocritical considering American-owned tech companies sell our data without consent. If the privacy of American citizens is that concerning, lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate all tech companies and their platforms instead of singling out an app.
Banning the app for the seemingly insignificant data concern would affect millions of Americans by destroying the opportunities it has unlocked for countless people.
A 2024 study by Oxford Economics found that small and mid-sized American businesses contributed $24.2 billion to GDP in the US in 2023 and held more than 200,000 jobs. TikTok’s algorithm allows users to easily discover and purchase products from these businesses, giving an effective, free way to advertise.
Banning TikTok is a destructive act that would crush these businesses and financially drain thousands of entrepreneurs.
Many people use TikTok as secondary income and about a third of influencers use the app as their primary source. For some, the money is a bonus, but for others, it is a financial necessity to make up for low wages. Stripping Americans of this platform would cause a detrimental loss of at least seven million jobs.
In addition to businesses, the music industry has thrived because of trends originating on TikTok. Emerging, independent artists who once struggled to gain exposure now display their music to large audiences. Artists can make three cents per video made featuring their song, which can be a life-changing amount of money if their songs become a viral trend.
Just like entrepreneurs, small artists would be stripped of their main source of promotion and the foundation of their careers.
Over half of college students use TikTok as a study tool, making it more popular to use than Google, according to EdScoop.com. Teachers post digestible videos to simplify complex topics, which benefits students who struggle to learn content in class. Removing this tool would directly hurt free, accessible education.
Whether the motives behind the TikTok ban are to protect national security or censor influence from the Chinese government, it is clear that the ban would erupt chaos across America. If security is the true concern, regulations should be made on other platforms, not just one with connections to China.
