Concerns were raised on how the proposed U.S. government’s decision to ban TikTok will be implemented.
If the U.S. bans TikTok, the most likely way to enforce the ban would be to order app stores like Apple and Google to remove the app from their platforms. However, the app has already been banned from government devices in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. In India, the app will be completely banned in 2020.
While those who already have the app will keep it, it will eventually stop receiving updates, potentially causing problems for users. Changing the app store’s region or downloading apps from the internet is possible, but it may violate copyright laws or the app’s terms of service. Apple and Google could also send updates to U.S. devices that disable the app entirely.
In India, the government banned TikTok and demanded that internet service providers block it entirely, making access to the app or website more difficult. Workarounds, such as VPNs or modified devices, were possible, but may not be sufficient to get around the ban. TikTok may also be ordered to block accounts from the United States, preventing individuals or businesses from posting.
The Chinese government has accused the United States of disinformation and censorship of TikTok. China has also accused the United States of overreacting when it ordered federal employees to remove TikTok from government-issued devices. TikTok is used by over 5 million businesses in the United States, and a ban could have a significant impact on them. Many people and businesses use TikTok to become celebrities and earn money by promoting their content or products.
Finally, a potential TikTok ban in the United States could have serious consequences for businesses and individuals who rely on the app for income and exposure. While workarounds may be possible, they may not be sufficient to circumvent the ban, and enforcement may be difficult.
The sources for this piece include an article in BBC.