Bryan Li (10) | STAFF REPORTER
In recent months, the United States has been advocating a ban on popular social media app Tiktok. Tiktok is a popular social media platform in which users are able to create and share content, specifically short videos. Tiktok is currently under investigation by the United States Congress because users’ privacy is currently at risk. This compromised data can seriously hurt the security of the United States, and changes need to be made.
Alas, this is not the first time that this has happened. Former President Donald Trump first wanted to remove Tiktok from the United States back in early 2020. However, Trump was unsuccessful with this goal. Many speculate that Trump’s hatred toward Tiktok was due to his hatred toward the Chinese government, taking into account that Tiktok is owned by a Chinese tech Company. This raises the question: in 2023, is there a more compelling reason why Congress should remove the social media platform?
An argument that has been made by some opponents is that this contradicts the United States First Amendment rights. First Amendment rights are the Canadian equivalent of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The First Amendment states that it defends the right of freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to petition the Government for the redress of grievances.
Hence, is banning Tiktok the appropriate solution?
Even if Tiktok were to have access to such sensitive material and data, it is unlikely this material and data could benefit any enemy of the United States. Tiktok is primarily used as a pastime, with many watching videos, or recording them. I feel that the lack of information that is going through Tiktok. This is because there are many more pressing issues that are happening within the United States. However, I do comprehend why the United States Congress feels the need to do this. It is Congress’s duty to defend the people of the United States. If Tiktok were to collect people’s data, this would be a massive privacy breach that the government should immediately act upon.
However, it may be unlawful to ban Tiktok. The United States is a democracy, where anyone is capable to be free –within limits. Even though the government restricted the use of Tiktok on government-issued devices, it is extremely unlikely that it can ban Tiktok on other devices due to the First Amendment, unless there does exist a national security threat.
