Is TikTok Being Banned In the United States?

At the beginning of August, President Trump issued an executive order to ban TikTok in the United States in 45 days if a portion of it is not sold to an American company. 

“I feel like it is an infringement on our first amendment,” junior Kierra Smith said. “Some TikToks are about helping people in need and they get more help through that platform than any other social media apps.”

TikTok is a Chinese-owned social media app that allows users to create 15- to 60-second videos. Since the app became available worldwide in 2018 after merging with Musicali.ly, it has become widely popular for its hack and dance compilations. 

“I like the comedy and creativity you get to see on the app,” junior Mariaelena Rodriguez said. “It’s pretty funny.” 

The recent discussions about banning the app have also raised some concerns about social media influencers such as Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae, and many more who have started their social media careers because of the app. 

“They would lose a lot of money and fame,” freshman Mauricio Rivas said. “They would have to find something else to do.”

Some have voiced their opinions on banning the app during the pandemic as some make an income through the app.

“People make a living through TikTok so taking that away especially in the middle of an economic crisis and pandemic is an injustice to the American people,” Rodriguez said. 

If the app isn’t taken over by an American company then the ban will go into effect in mid-September. According to Barron’s, potential company buyers include Microsoft, Twitter, Amazon, Snap and Google, but nothing has yet been decided.