The US Banning Chinese Apps

By Allen Liu

Portola High School

TikTok is one of the most popular apps right now here in the US and in a lot of other western countries. “becoming the first Chinese social media platform to gain significant traction with users outside of its home country. It was downloaded 315 million times in the first three months of this year, with more quarterly downloads than any other app in history, according to analytics company Sensor Tower CNN Business. Everything changed after the tension between the United States and China because of the coronavirus and the Hong Kong protest. Everything seems to be falling apart. With hundreds of influencers and businesses replying on TikTok for promotions and other needs, it is shocking news for all of them.

“Washington's top diplomat added that people should only download the app "if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party." CNN Business. From my perspective, I think that TikTok has nothing to do with the Chinese government, it is just a normal social media platform for everyone to connect with each other. If it was used otherwise, then the US would start banning it earlier. It is just the tension between the two countries in my opinion. 

On top of that, the CEO of TikTok is led by an American, with hundreds of employees working with him to make sure that the users are getting protected with their personal information. A TikTok spokesperson said in a speech that: “We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked." CNN Business. If the app is spreading globally then that means that every country must have it’s standards and rules when it comes to foreign apps coming in. 

Personally I’ve been active on TikTok and I enjoy everything in the app. It is a good way to see what is trending around the world and relax. If the US government will ban TikTok in the future, then I don;t think there is another app that uses the same format as TikTok to entertain people. I was just about to focus on putting out more content on TikTok to grow some followers but now I’m thinking about starting a YouTube Channel and creating a community there.  

No matter what happens between government , people should have the rights to use apps in their own liking.