Could TikTok actually be blocked altogether by the US government?

The United States government has urged that TikTok's Chinese owners sell the infamous social media network or face a ban. This comes as an increasing number of countries express alarm about what China may do with the app user data. But, blocking the app is not that simple, and here's what may be involved. [caption id="attachment_127166" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Source: The Wall Street Journal[/caption]

Why does the US want to ban TikTok?

TikTok collects data in the same way that other applications do, but US authorities are afraid that this data will get into the hands of the Chinese government. According to the US, this information might be used to spy on Americans or promote propaganda. It has already banned the program on government devices, as have the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. India also put a ban on the app entirely in 2020. TikTok maintains that it works in the same manner as other social media firms and that it would never cooperate with a request to transmit data to the Chinese government. Every one in three Americans is a TikTok user, and a ban on such a popular software would be unthinkable in the United States.

How could the US government block its people from using TikTok?

The most probable way for the government to enforce a ban is to compel app retailers, such as those run by Apple and Google, to remove TikTok from their platforms. People would no longer be able to download the app in this manner, but those who already had it would still have it on their phones. The software would eventually stop getting updates, which might pose problems for users.

Is there any way around the ban to use TikTok?

Most mobile devices enable you to alter the area of the app store, allowing you to access apps from different countries - however, this may violate the terms of service of the apps downloaded or of the devices themselves. By modifying your device, you can also install apps downloaded from the internet rather than app stores - though this may violate copyright law. Finally, Apple and Google may decide to deliver updates to American devices that expressly disable the TikTok app, rendering these workarounds obsolete.

Can the public be completely banned from accessing TikTok by the US government?

When the Indian government prohibited TikTok, it halted downloads and asked that internet service providers (ISPs) block the app entirely.   This makes accessing the app or website from most Indian ISPs more difficult - albeit there are several workarounds. variations of the software have appeared online, which individuals may use by downloading them to their customized smartphones. Some individuals have utilized VPNs - or virtual private network - which is a secure link between your device and another computer via the internet, which makes it look as if you are based in a different nation or location. Yet this may not be enough to avoid the prohibition. TikTok gets information on your approximate position by verifying your SIM card and IP address, according to the help website. In other words, if your device's phone number starts with +1, TikTok knows you're in the United States and may prevent your device from accessing the app. Nevertheless, it is uncertain if TikTok would opt to prohibit users from using the app - it might refuse to assist the government with any measures, instead allowing individuals in the US to use the site as long as they can discover loopholes to access it.

Could people still be able to post?

TikTok may be required to prohibit all accounts from the United States, preventing consumers and companies from posting unless they can find a solution. Several people, from corporations to content creators, have utilized TikTok to acquire fame and money. Individuals utilize it to sell things and publicize their content all over the world. According to TikTok, over 5 million companies in the United States utilize the program. If the small businesses do not have an audience on other social media outlets, the restriction might have a significant impact on their operation.

How has China reacted to this?

China has accused the US of spreading misinformation and suppressing TikTok, as well as accusing the government of overreacting when it ordered federal employees to remove TikTok from government-issued devices. "How uncertain of itself can the world's top superpower like the US be to dread young people's favorite app like that?" said spokeswoman Mao Ning.