The Ban of TikTok and WeChat in United States

By Sophia Ma

Sage Hill High School

During the quarantine that has been caused by Covid-19, apps like TikTok and WeChat have become a major part of people’s daily life in America. However, President Trump signed two executive orders to ban Chinese owners of TikTok and WeChat from conducting business in the U.S. How will it affect people who use these apps really often?

TikTok and WeChat are both apps to help cope with boredness. TikTok allows users to create videos, most often by dancing along or lip-synching with songs. WeChat is a mobile text, voice messaging, social media, and payment platform. It has become the main form of communication among Chinese consumers. 

Both TikTok and WeChat are going to be banned from the U.S. market after 45 days when President Trump issued this executive order on August 6, 2020. The reasons stated are national security concerns-data privacy and security for users. U.S. officials worried about the Chinese government will be able to leverage information for blackmail or espionage and concerned that the apps censor political speeches could spread misinformation. Since these apps have become so essential, what would happen from the ban?

First, TikTok might not be banned. According to the CNBC news, Microsoft announced to purchase it from company name TenCent. Trump stated he would ban U.S. companies from doing business with the app, so It might affect a potential acquisition by Microsoft. TikTok could become an advertising revenue powerhouse for Microsoft, but it is a target for much problematic content that must be dealt with such as spams and scams. TikTok, for me, is an inspiration for my art, so if it is really not going to exist, we might lose a platform for creativity and fun.

Second, the biggest concern for Chinese people is WeChat. According to the BBC news, Trump’s WeChat ban means an unwelcome signal for Chinese community in which the ban will worsen the U.S.-China relationship. WeChat is a lifeline for staying in touch with relatives, friends in China for Chinese who live in the United States, and without it, communication with family in China will be troublesome.

For President Trump, banning TikTok and WeChat is a must. However, it is important to remember that the future remains unclear, we should always find a solution to a problem like this in the future.