As news has made us aware, TikTok will be banned in January 2025. Many of the students at Athens Drive are not happy about this. The ban was originally implemented because ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, was deemed a national security risk. To stop this, TikTok filed a motion to terminate the ban.
“I think that TikTok can sometimes be considered a national security but that could be said about all social media platforms. All websites where personal info can be shared are a security risk if that’s the case. It’s about how you use them that determines how risky it truly is,” said Kali Blanks, senior.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) urges the federal government to reject the TikTok case. As of now, the DOJ is forming a motion to oppose TikTok’s original motion. If the company doesn’t find a new owner, we can expect TikTok will be gone as of January 19, 2025.
“I wouldn’t mind it being banned; I believe I can live without TikTok, it’s not that hard. I’ve been without social media before for a long period of time, so I’d be able to handle not having TikTok. I feel like it would also keep everyone’s minds straight so they won’t feel the need to compare themselves or their lifestyle with others they see on TikTok,” said Yasmin Abdallah, senior.
TikTok is a social media app that was originally called Musically. This app was created so users can post short videos like dancing, singing and sharing knowledge. Over one billion people around the world use this platform.
“I started using TikTok because it was a way to express myself and have fun with friends. My favorite thing about TikTok is how many people I’ve met across the United States and seeing how much we relate,” said Ashlyn Hall, senior.
There are many strong viewpoints about TikTok being banned in the United States. A lot of people think that banning TikTok is taking away their rights by restricting their freedom of speech and expression on the internet.
“TikTok is a very useful way to socialize with other people around the world. You can express yourself without feeling like you’re the only one going through something,” Amiyah Montague, freshman.
It was announced that in 2020 there was an attempt to ban TikTok, they agreed to protect the data with an alliance with U.S. tech company Oracle, but it eventually fell through. This was a part of the $1.5 billion Project Texas plan. However, since the app didn’t get banned, many people are questioning whether or not TikTok will get banned.
“I sadly do think it’ll get banned. Our government seems to be worried about the wrong things, since TikTok is such a big platform not owned by the United States it will probably be gone soon. I look forward to seeing what will take its place,” said Hall, senior.
