TikTok, the widely popular short-form video app, has encountered several challenges in the past year, yet it appears to be heading into 2024 with resilience. Despite facing potential restrictions in various US states and even legislative attempts to ban it, TikTok has managed to maintain a strong user base, with approximately 150 million predominantly young American users. The app’s fate hung in the balance earlier this year, including a ban on federal government devices and accusations of being labeled as “spyware” and “digital fentanyl.”
As the United States gears up for numerous elections in 2024, TikTok finds itself in a unique position. The new year marks the first time TikTok will play a prominent role in an election year, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Political parties are increasingly recognizing the need to engage with TikTok’s vast user base, including collaborations with TikTok influencers for political campaigns.
Katie Harbath, founder and CEO of technology policy firm Anchor Change, highlights the delicate path TikTok must navigate during this election year. Both major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, are likely to leverage TikTok to connect with young voters. This shift underscores the platform’s influence, where candidates understand the importance of reaching voters through innovative means.
While TikTok has weathered various storms, it continues to face regulatory uncertainties. Concerns about the app’s potential ties to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, persist, and discussions regarding divestment from ByteDance may resurface. Harbath suggests that geopolitical factors, such as China’s actions in Taiwan, could impact TikTok’s association with ByteDance.
The controversy surrounding TikTok revolves around fears of potential spying on US citizens for the Chinese government. FBI director Chris Wray has expressed concerns about national security risks associated with the app, fueling debates about its operation in the US. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has vehemently denied any sharing of US user data with the Chinese government and emphasized ByteDance’s independent ownership.
However, the trustworthiness of such assurances remains a subject of debate, with experts like Harsh Taneja, an associate professor of New and Emerging Media, pointing to the challenge of accessing transparent data about tech companies. The opaque nature of data use on tech platforms raises questions about TikTok’s actual practices, echoing wider concerns about data privacy in the digital age.
Despite calls for a ban on TikTok in the US, especially over concerns of influencing young minds negatively, the app has become an integral part of American culture. Its impact on the creator economy, with millions of small businesses thriving on the platform, cannot be overlooked. The ban debate also reflects a generational gap, with older legislators making decisions about a platform primarily used by a younger demographic.
TikTok’s significance extends beyond video creation, with users like Chantal Winston using the platform to showcase her candle-making business. Small businesses, influencers, and creators find TikTok to be a valuable space for engagement and exposure.
As TikTok faces a pivotal year amid elections and ongoing debates, its role in shaping cultural trends and political discourse remains undeniable. The app’s ability to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes and address privacy concerns will likely determine its trajectory in the coming months.