TikTok's US Entity Emerges Amid Congressional Ban, Raising New Concerns

TikTok's Influence Raises Concerns Amid Shift in Ownership The social media landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of TikTok US, a new entity that will allow the popular app to remain available in America despite a ban imposed by Congress in 2024. The move, approved by President Donald Trump through an executive order, has sparked concerns about the app's influence and control. TikTok is not just the most downloaded app worldwide; it is also the most powerful information platform on the planet, according to Nikolas Kokovlis, a media analyst. "Whoever owns the app moving forward will steer policy," he warned. The new entity, TikTok US, will be controlled by Trump's allies Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, and the Murdochs, raising questions about the potential impact on free speech and online content. The controversy surrounding TikTok began when it was revealed that the app is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company under the shadow of Beijing. For years, US lawmakers have attempted to rein in the app, either by banning it outright or forcing a sale to American investors. The latest development marks a significant shift in the debate, with some arguing that American control is no less worrisome than Chinese ownership. "The issue isn't just about who owns TikTok; it's about the kind of content they allow on their platform," said Dr. Sarah Jones, a media studies expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "TikTok has been criticized for its handling of hate speech and misinformation, and we need to be concerned about how this new entity will address these issues." The creation of TikTok US is part of a broader effort by Trump's administration to assert control over social media platforms. Last week, the president signed an executive order aimed at regulating online content, sparking concerns among free speech advocates. As the debate surrounding TikTok continues, experts warn that the app's influence extends far beyond its user base. "TikTok is not just a platform for entertainment; it's also a tool for shaping public opinion and influencing cultural trends," said Kokovlis. The future of TikTok US remains uncertain, with China still needing to approve the new entity. However, one thing is clear: the app's influence will continue to be felt in the years to come. Background: TikTok was first introduced in 2016 as a social media platform for short-form videos. It quickly gained popularity worldwide, becoming the most downloaded app in the world. The app's success has been attributed to its algorithm-driven "For You" page, which uses AI to curate content based on user preferences. In 2024, Congress passed a bill banning TikTok from operating in the US due to concerns about national security and data protection. However, Trump's executive order last week paved the way for the creation of TikTok US, allowing the app to remain available in America despite the ban. Additional Perspectives: While some experts argue that American control is no less worrisome than Chinese ownership, others see the move as a positive development. "This is an opportunity for us to take back control of our social media landscape and ensure that platforms like TikTok are held accountable," said Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), who has been critical of TikTok's handling of user data. As the debate surrounding TikTok continues, one thing is clear: the app's influence will continue to be felt in the years to come. *Reporting by Vox.*