TikTok is one of the most used apps in the world. Over the years, the app has gained lots of popularity for many reasons, but now there is a chance that the government will shut the app down.
Since TikTok is owned by a Chinese company, United States government officials argue that China can use the platform to spy on Americans and spread propaganda. Last year, the US congress passed a law requiring TikTok’s parent company to sell the app to a non Chinese owner, but the owner then sued to block the law from going through.
Critics argue that Congress has failed to prove that China uses TikTok to manipulate Americans, so the law is instead just based on the worry that it could happen one day. President Elect Donald J Trump seems to now be on the apps side and is trying to argue with his lawyers to the Congress that they should let him try and resolve the issue after becoming President because of its popularity in the country.
Lots of students are shocked with this idea of banning the app.
“I spend at least an hour on TikTok every day,” freshman Michah Cooper said. “I didn’t even hear about it getting banned and I really hope it doesn’t because that’s where I watch a lot of sports clips and highlights.”
Students love the app for many different reasons, so they hope the ban doesn’t go through.
“TikTok gives me lots of inspo for anything I need,” junior Sophia Carini said. “The app is really popular around the world, so I don’t think the ban is actually gonna happen.”
Some students care more about the app because it holds lots of memories.
“I’ve had my TikTok account for many years, so I have many old videos and memories that I don’t want to lose,” junior Josie Marshall said. “I don’t agree with the ban because TikTok let’s people entertain themselves, be more creative, and learn new things.”
While most students don’t agree with the rumors going around, some others think it’s for the best.
“I try not to go on TikTok that much, but when I’m bored I’m on the app for probably like an hour a day,” senior Aiden Warwick said. “I’m happy about the ban because I feel like no one really needs TikTok that much because it’s too addicting and time consuming and everything is so repetitive.”
