Is TikTok really a threat?
Dear Editor,
TikTok, the very popular social media app, has been in the news a lot lately; it was shut down in the USA, leaving 170 million Americans without access.
The main reason offered is that TikTok is owned by a Chinese company and American politicians feel this poses a national threat to them. Several countries have banned TikTok in some way, usually on devices used by government officials and for other types of work. I’m surprised anyone would be using an app such as TikTok on his/her work device. It is a personal app.
Frankly, I think the main threat is political, and more potential than real. There has been no hard evidence that the owners of TikTok have been using private information of users which could pose a threat to America to benefit China. Chinese users don’t even use the international version of the app, they use a scaled-down Chinese version, for China only.
It will be interesting to see if an American company is able to buy TikTok. If TikTok is really a threat, other platforms would be a threat also, regardless of who owns it, if private information is at risk of being used or being exposed by anyone, regardless of where they are based.
The real threat is profit and the fact that TikTok users now surpass one billion. Imagine having access to and being able to influence so many individuals. This becomes an issue for politicians and social media competitors who are also influential in politics.
Personally, I enjoy TikTok, the videos are extremely short and to the point and fun, and it is very useful for breaking news and views. It is quicker than mainstream media. TikTok is also useful for learning fun facts on just about any topic — health, geography, history and lifestyle — and even Jamaicans have carved out a niche, from uptown to downtown.
I use the app every day and can’t imagine life without it, even if I don’t post personal content (besides comments). Many users earn a decent living from the app and some have become mega rich overnight by sharing their talents globally.
I think TikTok is here to stay, and those who try to restrict it will be in for a rude awakening, especially politically. Rules can be put in place to limit any risk the app might pose in terms of security and misuse.
President-elect Donald Trump, who was once opposed to the app, says he is now inclined to reverse the ban after he is sworn into office. He has pledged to bring the app back online and give owners more time to consider a bid for sale. Trump used the app successfully during his campaign and said its impact increased support from young voters.
If an American bought TikTok, would other countries see the power of the app as a threat?
At least 50 million people use TikTok daily. Given this global success and mass appeal, I think it will be around for a long time, no matter what they try to do.
P Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com