TikTok's Uncertain Fate

Rabia Riaz -- May 12

We sure do find ourselves in a strange circumstance. We can be scrolling through countless TikTok videos one minute, and next we hear about a potential ban. Many of us were shocked and in disbelief when we learned that President Biden might sign a ban on TikTok. Without the funny videos, creative content, and viral dancing challenges that TikTok provides, it's difficult to imagine our life. 

But, in all the anxiety and uncertainty, it's crucial to keep in mind that nothing is finalized just yet. The signing of the bill does not imply that our favorite app will be shut down. Although the bill that potentially resulted in TikTok's ban in the US has been approved by President Biden, the ban is not immediate. The bill basically threatens to ban TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, unless they spin off the app within nine months. However, because of possible legal challenges, this period might be extended. In addition, the Biden reelection campaign intends to keep using TikTok. They think that you should contact voters where they are, and TikTok is a vital platform because of its youth audience. They seem unconcerned about the risks to national security posed by TikTok's connections to the Chinese Communist Party, as seen by their claim to have strengthened safety measures in place while using the app.