Behind the TikTok Ban Bill: Genuine Data Security Concerns or Social Media Market Control?

Mar 31 / Dr. Cynthia D. Wiggins

Introduction

The U.S. House of Representatives on March 13, 2024 passed a bill with a strong bipartisan vote of 353-65. The bill requires ByteDance, the Chinese owners of TikTok, to divest ownership within a few months or risk having the app banned from U.S. app stores. This development has sparked widespread discussions, and it's crucial to delve into its various dimensions. So, let’s talk about it!

Discrepancies With Data Access Concerns 

Firstly, it's important to note that the current uproar surrounding TikTok seems disconnected from genuine concerns about data access. The argument about Chinese ownership posing national security risks loses credibility when we reflect on past incidents like the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where data from millions of Facebook users was exploited for political advertising purposes without consent. This breach of privacy occurred under the ownership of Meta, a U.S.-based company, revealing that ownership alone does not ensure data safety.

Secondly, the notion that Chinese-owned companies uniquely threaten American data privacy overlooks existing realities. Several Chinese-owned e-commerce giants (Temu, AliExpress, and Shein), and numerous American businesses with Chinese investments or ownership ( Smithfield Foods, GE Appliances, The Waldorf Astoria, and Riot Games) already have access to substantial amounts of U.S. citizen data, including sensitive financial information. This disparity in scrutiny points to a double standard in how data access concerns are perceived and addressed.

Market Control Motives Behind the Bill

So, if the bill isn't primarily about protecting U.S. citizens' data, what is its true motive? It appears to be more of a strategic move by American companies eyeing TikTok's success and seeking a share of its thriving market. TikTok's rapid growth, particularly among younger demographics, would attract major U.S. tech companies like Meta and Alphabet, who would see it as a valuable avenue to reach a younger and expanding market segment.

However, replicating TikTok's success isn't as straightforward as creating a similar app. Success in the digital realm depends on various factors such as the uniqueness of the app's algorithm, meeting unmet user needs, and timing. TikTok's algorithm, which prioritizes user interests over social connections, has been pivotal in sparking viral trends and shaping mainstream conversations on significant global issues. For instance, TikTok’s role in shifting the narrative on the Israeli-Palestine from a mere “complicated conflict” to identifying the genocide taking place in Gaza- that mainstream news outlets initially overlooked- cannot be downplayed.

Therefore, the push to force ByteDance to sell TikTok seems more about controlling a platform with significant influence over public discourse and cultural trends rather than genuine data security concerns. By framing it as a national security issue, the underlying motives of U.S. companies seeking TikTok's acquisition, as such, are obscured.

Furthermore, the prospect of banning TikTok raises valid concerns about economic fairness and government intervention in private enterprise. If the U.S. government can mandate the sale of a privately-owned foreign company like TikTok, it sets a precedent that challenges democratic and free-market principles.

Looking Ahead: Senate Approval and Future Discussions

While the House vote on March 13, 2024, marks a significant step, it's important to remember that the bill still needs Senate approval. It's hoped that moving forward, discussions will shift towards addressing more critical issues such as comprehensive data privacy laws governing all social media platforms and ensuring internet safety for minors and other exploited groups, than simply continuing to target TikTok under the guise of data privacy concerns. 
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