The US government is currently considering a nationwide ban on the popular social media platform, TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance. This move comes after concerns were raised about the app's data-collection practices and its susceptibility to foreign interference.
According to reports, there are four options in front of the government regarding this issue. These include passing comprehensive federal privacy legislation that would protect citizens from excessive data collection practices of all private companies, not just those of TikTok. The other three options involve either a forced sale or a legislated ban on the app.
However, if an all-out ban were to be implemented across America, it would have catastrophic consequences for free speech in the country. A complete prohibition on any media platform sets harmful precedents regarding who can own media in the US.
If such a ban takes place nationwide, it would make America only the third country to institute such measures against civilian devices - following Afghanistan and India's recent bans.
Meanwhile, 83 companies have made it onto this year's list for Best Companies for Remote Workers. Nominate your company today as we continue our coverage of remote work trends amidst COVID-19 pandemic uncertainties.
The possible ramifications of banning TikTok will trigger a massive First Amendment battle in courts - one that many experts believe will be difficult for the government to win due to prior court decisions favoring free speech over censorship rights.
It remains unclear what decision lawmakers will take regarding this matter; however, with ongoing security concerns surrounding China-based apps and their relationship with American users' personal information and sensitive data – these issues aren't likely going away anytime soon.