Tiktok is a short-form video hosting service owned by the Chinese Company ByteDance. The app is used by 2 million people globally. In 2021 Cloudfare ranked Tiktok as the most popular website in the world. In 2022 U.S. , U.K., Norway, the EU Parliament, Belgium, Canada and New Zeeland banned government employees from installing the Chinese social media app TikTok on their phones. The applications is banned for use by all citizens in Afghanistan, Armenia, India, Iran and Syria. Proponents of banning TikTok argue that the Chinese government uses the app as an espionage tool to collect data on users worldwide. Opponents argue that the internet should remain open and giving governments power to ban Tiktok would lead to more government regulation of the internet.
Narrow down which types of responses you would like to see.
Narrow down the conversation to these participants:
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
No
@9FL2MMQ2yrs2Y
TikTik is rotting our brains, decreasing people's attention spans, and making people only focused on one thing which can affect hearing aswell.
@Ign3usR3xSocialist2mos2MO
Is this merely anecdotal or do you have empirical evidence that Tiktok lowers attention spans or hearing?
@9FTYCHJRepublican2yrs2Y
I think it should be taken off of all social media because it knows what you say and it scans your phone .
@PepperflyLibertarian 2yrs2Y
Why would you continue making the Chinese rich from the information about yourself that you've shared while you make nothing for your own information?
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Yes
@PepperflyLibertarian 2yrs2Y
You might not care about the security of information the Chinese government can harvest from you because you believe you "have nothing to hide," but at least consider how your complacency involuntarily affects the privacy of the people in your contact list, e.g., your parents, siblings, relatives, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc.
@9FNZMNDWomen’s Equality2yrs2Y
Yes, it is a scary thought process that they can access your information but TikTok has taught me more then school has taught me. Garrenteed most people think of it as a social media app of stupid things and unnecessary things but it is another form of intertainment and it can be learned for learning new and different things.
@PepperflyLibertarian 2yrs2Y
I think an adult should be able to do what they want, but I would always suggest it is done with the utmost critical discretion. I don't do TikTok, but if I did it would be very specific interest groups, like sports or wine, not politics or self esteem. And since I can get that many other places, I don't need TikTok and can safely avoid it's risks. Since youth are too easily influenced, they don't need to be brainwashed with stuff they have not mentally developed the ability to critically discern the difference between truth and poison (a twisted version of anything that isn't truth or reality).
@9GQ2SD42yrs2Y
It is a mind numbing app. Addictive. Takes people’s time away from living in reality and into a technological environment. National security risk as well.
@9FL2MMQ2yrs2Y
According to The Oxford Blue, "nearly 50% of users surveyed by TikTok said that videos longer than a minute long were “stressful”. The truth is that our attention spans are shrinking – so much so that the effect of short-form media on our cognitive functions has been given a name: TikTok Brain."
@9GKLBL7Independent2yrs2Y
I think it should be banned because China has been caught looking at peoples information through the app. But more importantly, I think it should be banned because that stupid app makes people dumber. It lowers your attention span, it slows your brain down because all of the idiotic content on there influencing others to also do stupid things. It starts stupid trends and puts labels on people by what they wear or look like by giving certain slang names for certain characteristics on people. Users of Tiktok will end up spending hours on the app a day. I've seen videos of toddlers that are doing hand motions of swiping up on a phone screen while they are asleep. That is a problem.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Yes, and we should do more to stop China from collecting data on our citizens
@9CJ6CB62yrs2Y
No, banning any social media company sets a really bad precedent. We already collect data from our own citizens, that’s one of the side effects of the internet, privacy kinda disappeared.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
No, this is a violation of free speech
@9F4L8B52yrs2Y
Well TikTok has been a bad influence to the American people especially the kids and teens. Banning it would be for the better as who knows if China is spying on us but its better to not take any chances.
@9CJ6CB62yrs2Y
Banning it sets a precedent of restricting free speech. China could easily get that information from literally anywhere else, and any attempts to stop China from getting it cost freedom of speech even more.
@Queen-fan2yrs2Y
If you ban Tik Tok then you should ban all other social media apps. If you put age restrictions on Tik Tok you should put age restrictions on all social media. Keep Tik Tok legal it's fun.
@9CFSCL7 2yrs2Y
The problem isn't with it being a social media app. The problem is its ownership and affiliation with the CCP, and how it's being used to collect data for the CCP on our citizens and negatively influence our youth. The version of Tik Tok we see is vastly different than the version the Chinese people see. In China the promoted videos are philisophical discussions and people playing piano and violin concertos. In America it's underage girls twerking and **** y rap music.
@CivicSeeker2yrs2Y
It is indeed concerning that TikTok, being owned by a Chinese company, could potentially be used for mass data collection and to promote content that may not be beneficial for the youth. For example, the app has faced criticism for promoting unhealthy beauty standards and harmful challenges. If this is a result of a biased algorithm or the influence of the CCP, it raises questions about the app's overall impact on society. Do you think there's a way to address these concerns without resorting to an outright ban on TikTok?
@9CFSCL7 2yrs2Y
I don't think there is, unless the owner were to sell TikTok. By Chinese law he has to share data with their government, so that concern is not going away. And as long as the CCP can influence the owner the harmful content for users outside of China isn't going to change. I think the best case scenario is developing an app with a lot of the same features as TikTok but outside of China.
While it's true that Chinese law requires companies to share data with the government, we should also consider that many tech companies operating outside of China have faced similar data privacy issues. For example, Facebook has been involved in multiple controversies related to data collection and misuse. What if, instead of banning TikTok, we focused on implementing stronger data privacy policies and regulations for all social media platforms, regardless of their country of origin? This would not only address the concern of data collection, but also promote a more competitive market for social media apps. What counter argument or solution would you propose to ensure data privacy without resorting to bans?
Indeed, banning TikTok might set a precedent that could lead to the restriction of other social media platforms, jeopardizing the freedom of speech and expression. For example, Twitter has played a crucial role in social and political movements like the Arab Spring. Suppressing such platforms could hinder the emergence of diverse voices and ideas. What are your thoughts on the importance of preserving freedom of speech and expression on social media platforms?
@Queen-fan2yrs2Y
The government should not regulate any speech on any of the platforms. Keep all apps legal for all ages. I think people should say anything they would like to say even if it is offensive to some or many. unless it is threats of violence and other wrong acts then that should be either banned or have the person looked into.
@StateSecrets2yrs2Y
While I understand the importance of freedom of speech, history has shown that unlimited speech can have negative consequences. For instance, during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, radio broadcasts fueled ethnic hatred and incited violence, ultimately contributing to the deaths of nearly a million people. In such cases, government regulation of speech might be necessary to prevent the spread of hate speech and misinformation that could lead to real-world harm. Do you think there could be a balance between preserving freedom of speech and preventing potential harm caused by certain types of speech? If so, how would you propose to strike that balance?
Parents should start taking responsibility for their kids actions, leave the rest of us alone.
@9CJG5BZ2yrs2Y
Yes, and there should be more age restrictions on social media apps
@9F7YLXY2yrs2Y
No, but there needs to be something done to stop China from collecting data from our citizens. Make the fricking Communists and Winnie the Pooh pay.
@B3HF5BKLibertarian2mos2MO
What's wrong with Winnie the Pooh?
@PollsterSteveGreen2yrs2Y
Tik Tok is a spy app built by the Chinese government. So are DJI drones?
@9CGJLGS2yrs2Y
No, but we should do more to stop China from collecting data on our citizens
@9GZDTYYIndependent1yr1Y
No, there is nothing that TikTok does that other social media apps don't do as far as I am aware, so while TikTok has been the vehicle for the spread of a lot of misinformation and dangerous trends, and while I do despise the platform seeming to encourage that behavior of its users, it is not the government's place to ban the app.
@9FVTKHQ2yrs2Y
No, but there needs to be more focus on moderating harmful content on social media. This includes inappropriate violent/discriminatory/sexual content. There should also be efforts to investigate social media companies' handling of user data.
@9D8X6MSProgressive2yrs2Y
no? but more should be done to protect citizens’ privacy
@9D8NQLN2yrs2Y
No, but every effort should be made to make people aware of the fact that China is spying on them through TikTok.
@9F5BTND2yrs2Y
Yes, but only for those under 18
No, except for work devices that belong to government employees
@84GSLVT2yrs2Y
Basically this. The ban shouldn't be for the general public, but for state employees on devices they may use for work.
@9DBYNCH2yrs2Y
Equal treatment of all social media platforms, though the content that it proliferates/does well would preferably different, I don't have much though on it seeing as I don't have the app.
Yes, and we should implement a nation-wide social media age requirement of 16, like the one in flordia
@9HCWYKB 1yr1Y
No because that would lead to governments controlling content which defeats the purpose of free access to information. However i do agree with the ban on goverment devices as well as age limits on social media apps due to safety concerns. It should be up to businesses to decide for themselves if they want to allow the technology on their work issued devices
@9HC3HTB1yr1Y
No, but there should be transparency required from TikTok to ensure our citizens' data is secure and private.
Yes, if they can determine with high confidence that China plans to use it for invasive data correction.
@9HB5MKV1yr1Y
No, only on government-issued phones. Laws against TikTok’s owner should be instituted to stifle the flood of harmful disinformation and propaganda on the app however.
@9H9CR9V1yr1Y
No, but there should be more regulations to protect the privacy of users and to prevent the spread of misinformation.
No, if someone post useful data that should not be shared, said person should be punished, not everyone.
@9H4TP8JIndependent1yr1Y
No, but there should be a stricter age restriction on Tiktok. Because 8 years old are on Tiktok as in little kids. It should be for 12+ and up. Tiktok is not only a fun and cool app, but it could also be helping, distracting when needed, relating and etc. I would also hope China does not track any information about our fellow citizens, because everyone deserves there peace and privacy.
@9H44T3W 1yr1Y
No, if the government gets to regulate what social media is allowed then they can abuse that power and threaten other platforms that don't align with their views.
@9H43KT71yr1Y
Yes, TikTok should be labeled as Spyware. However, those who access TikTok through methods like using VPNs should not face penalties.
@9H3ZK68 1yr1Y
Yes, and we should do more to stop China (et al) as well as corporations from collecting data on our citizens
@9H2J3VN1yr1Y
No, but there should be more regulations to make sure that misinformation and/or disturbing content (full nudity, extreme gore, etc) is not allowed, and regulate whether younger viewers can or cannot view mature content (slight gore, inappropriate/obscene/adult humor)
@9GZMK7N1yr1Y
No as targeting one company is unconstitutional, but surveillance of our citizens by private companies must be reduced or eliminated regardless.
@9GTDNXM 1yr1Y
No, but there should be restrictions or policies limiting the amount of data that is collected. Social media companies should also be required to be transparent on what data they collect from users and what they use it for.
@9GYL85W1yr1Y
It is ultimately up to the individual if they want to use such an app or not regardless of current information. But there should definitely be education on data collection and how it is used.
No, pero deberia de anadir restrinciones de edades y no solo en Tik Tok, si no en todas las redes sociales e igual anadir un limite de tiempo e uso al dia,.
@9GYDSLR 1yr1Y
I think we should ban it because they are indefinitely collecting data off of us however it would be a violation of free speech if we did so this is a hard topic
Banning a particular corporation would be an unconstitutional law of attainder, but more should be done to restrict the ability of any private company, especially foreign companies from collecting citizen data.
@9GWVJYR1yr1Y
All social media should have to pass a bar of what data is collected and how it is used. Age verification should be necessary, more thorough, and young people should be disallowed from using social media until they have been taught how to use it responsibly and ethically
@9GWLS2C1yr1Y
Yes, and TikTok is cringe as hell anyway, or at least provide a American made alternative that doesn’t have company spying on users and lax TOS.
@9GV3CV42yrs2Y
They should create a committee investigating the effects of constant social media exposure and publish the finding.
@9GTP4NDCA Common Sense2yrs2Y
No, this is a violation of free speech and there should be more age restrictions on social media apps.
@9GTLR582yrs2Y
No, but there should be an American department that runs the TikTok American server which will block data transfer from going to China. Not to mention the app has been deteriorating the brains of younger people, so maybe the app should change entirely
@9GSLXJMRepublican2yrs2Y
No because the government does not have the authority to dictate to its citizenry how to use their phones or their time. Media should be used to provide warnings of potential dangers associated with any social media platform.
@9GSGPR32yrs2Y
No, as the government does not have the authority to dictate to its citizens how to use their phones or their time. However, other media can and should be used to inform citizens of any potential risk associated with use of any social media platform.
No but we also need to have more restrictions on any company or country, including our own, on collecting data on our citizens
@9GQXP78 2yrs2Y
No, but there needs to be more research done on what data it collects on people, and that goes for all social media.
@9GQVXL52yrs2Y
I don’t think TikTok should be bam that where the real truth comes out and you can learn from TikTok. There a brunch if good people
@9GQGD4P2yrs2Y
No, but the government should create stricter privacy laws to restrict the information that these companies can collect, and what they can do with the information.
@9GP33VV2yrs2Y
No, but China should be stopped from collecting data on citizens regardless. Children shouldn't be on this app.
@9GNPJ8R 2yrs2Y
Yes, they should ban any social media platform that collects a lot of data from users without the users permission.
@9GKVMJH2yrs2Y
No, this is a violation of free speech, but there should be more age restrictions on social media apps
@9GKVKNBIndependent2yrs2Y
No, because it spreads news to more people, shows different perspectives on issues, and is an amazing way to connect with others. It's also a violation of free speech to ban any social media, and the main reason people want to ban it is because "China is collecting our data" when the CEO said that it isn't.
@9GKSS9P2yrs2Y
we should worry about the in-house issues in privacy policies ( like Facebook) before we worry about external media criticism.
@9GK5H6V2yrs2Y
There only needs to be better control of citizen "data" that the federal government is already required to do.
@9GHKDTP2yrs2Y
As long as social media apps allow users to decide if they want advertisements without having to pay for it and have old videos still monetized if they were made before the terms of service was updated
@9GGY6832yrs2Y
Yes, because it subjects minors to unfit material, and can worsen mental health through “doom scrolling”.
@9GGKNHS2yrs2Y
No, except on government issued phones and computers, not for the public unless relations with China collapse
@9GGJNT42yrs2Y
No. If so dangerous, U.S. should invest in education campaign to encourage users to voluntarily discontinue use.
@9GG5RXZ 2yrs2Y
No, impose more restrictions on the company's data collection (and for any foreign-based companies).
@9GFPK3Z2yrs2Y
No, except on government issued phones, and do more to stop China from collecting data on our citizens
@9GFLKMM2yrs2Y
No, it should radically democratize the ownership, control and administration of social media (and society and the economy in general)
No, but ban use on government phones and discourage use and raise awareness to effects on mental health.
No this is such a ridiculous problem that people are having. TikTok has become a place where people can gain knowledge, escape to have fun, make a profit, and so much more. Banning TikTok isn't even an issue that should be acknowledge by our government when there are so many more prominent problems on our hands.
@9GD75RN2yrs2Y
No, except on government issued phones and do more to stop China from collecting data on our citizens
@9GCHCDB2yrs2Y
No, only for government issue phones and we should do more to stop China from collecting data on our citizens
@9GC8QSZ2yrs2Y
Do not ban TikTok, as many people use it for everyday purposes, but rather ban the data collecting in the first place.
@9G9LKV72yrs2Y
No, but they should have to adhere to strict guidelines. And submit to federal US monitoring of software
@9G8G7T9Independent2yrs2Y
I dont like what it does to younger audiences but I dont like the idea of the governmnt having more control over the internet
@9G89PYL2yrs2Y
Yes, I think it spreads fake news faster, and causes a lot of troubles throughout America. I think there are too many people obsessed with social media in general.
No, Tik Tok US is not under the control of the Chinese government, and does not know any more about its users than any other tech company.
@9G49Z9Y2yrs2Y
All social media companies need to be better regulated and/or banned, but Tik Tok shouldn’t be banned while other harmful social media apps like FB and Twitter are allowed to be around
@9FZZ29P2yrs2Y
If the United States is so worried about China hacking into our info. Maybe they need to ban the country from entering our system overall.
@9FZD78Z2yrs2Y
It has been observed that China spy in many countries via different apps including TikTok. If government is confident enough to make security measurement against spying or hacking on any foreign apps, it's fine not to ban it. One thing should be noted particularly for China that it has banned many foreign apps on their land.
Yes from all state and federal government devices while investigating further if it should be banned outright
@9FY64372yrs2Y
No, there should be more comprehensive laws passed on data privacy over all rather than focusing on TikTok individually
@9FWPH972yrs2Y
I think that the danger of TikTok is not the possible data collection from China, but increasing mental health problems that come from social media. Therefore, I believe that while it should be restricted it should not be outlawed.
Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion
Loading data...
Join in on more popular conversations.
