TikTok is now officially banned in the United States (US) on Sunday (19/01), with the application not allowed to be accessed by more than 170 million users in the country. The Supreme Court's decision to ban TikTok is a drastic step in response to national security concerns based in China.
The ban comes after much debate over the potential security risks posed by TikTok. Many lawmakers argue that the app could be used to collect user data and manipulate content, which could harm national interests.
While TikTok has attempted to address these concerns with initiatives like Project Texas, these efforts have not been enough to convince governments that user data will be safe from outside influence.
Meanwhile, TikTok users now have to look for other alternatives to get similar content. Instagram, for example, has copied many of TikTok's features and can be an option for those looking for similar entertainment.
Looking ahead, there is hope that TikTok could return to the US if a deal is reached regarding ownership of the app. Several American parties, including high-profile figures such as Mr. Beast and Kevin O'Leary, have shown interest in taking over TikTok.
However, uncertainty still surrounds the future of this application, and users can only wait for further developments regarding the situation.
-# Image Source: GettyImages