A Timeline of TikTok’s US Ban (and What Comes Next)
TikTok is back in the U.S., but it may not be for long. In a rollercoaster of events, the popular social media app has faced threats of a ban, legal battles, and uncertain futures. Let’s take a look at the timeline of TikTok’s journey in the United States and what the future holds for the platform.
December 2019 – July 2020: The Initial Ban Threats
The troubles for TikTok in the U.S. began in December 2019 when the U.S. government first raised concerns about the app’s data privacy and security practices. These concerns escalated throughout 2020, with the Trump administration issuing executive orders that aimed to ban the app citing national security fears. This led to a series of legal battles between TikTok and the U.S. government.
September 2020: Oracle and Walmart Enter the Scene
As the ban loomed, Oracle and Walmart stepped in to save the day. In September 2020, they announced a partnership with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to form a new entity called TikTok Global. This partnership was seen as a way to address the U.S. government’s concerns while allowing TikTok to continue its operations in the country.
November 2020: Legal Challenges and Uncertainty
Despite the Oracle and Walmart deal, legal challenges persisted. The U.S. government continued to push for a ban on TikTok, leading to further uncertainty about the app’s future in the country. As the legal battles played out, TikTok faced mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by U.S. authorities.
June 2021: Biden Administration Reconsiders the Ban
With a new administration in office, the Biden administration took a different approach to the TikTok situation. In June 2021, President Biden revoked the Trump-era executive orders that sought to ban TikTok and other Chinese-owned apps. This move signaled a potential shift in the government’s stance towards the app.
August 2021: TikTok’s Return to the U.S.
After months of uncertainty, TikTok finally made its comeback in the U.S. In August 2021, the app was once again available for download and use in the country. This marked a significant milestone for TikTok and its millions of users in the U.S. who had feared the app’s potential ban.
What Comes Next for TikTok in the U.S.?
While TikTok is currently back in the U.S., the app’s future remains uncertain. The concerns raised by the U.S. government regarding data privacy and security have not disappeared, and TikTok will likely continue to face scrutiny in the coming months. The app may need to make further changes to its operations to address these concerns and ensure its long-term presence in the country.
In conclusion, TikTok’s journey in the U.S. has been a turbulent one, marked by threats of bans, legal challenges, and uncertain futures. While the app has managed to make a comeback for now, the road ahead remains rocky. Only time will tell what the future holds for TikTok in the United States.
TikTok, US Ban, ByteDance, Oracle, Walmart