Should TikTok Be Banned?

TikTok, a social media platform launched by the Chinese company ByteDance in 2016, has become a global phenomenon, particularly among younger audiences. The app allows users to create and share short-form videos, typically set to music or sound effects, with content ranging from dance challenges to educational clips. Its sophisticated algorithm, which tailors content recommendations to individual users, has been a key factor in its widespread popularity. The app’s global rise has also brought increased scrutiny. In 2018, it merged with the popular app Musical.ly, broadening its reach in Western markets. By 2020, TikTok had become one of the most downloaded apps worldwide, attracting attention not only for its cultural impact but also for its data collection practices. This led to discussions in several countries about its ownership and potential influence, highlighting concerns tied to its Chinese origins.