In a surprise twist, President-elect Donald Trump said that he would save TikTok from a ban in the United States. This has been a turbulent year of lawsuits and not knowing whether it had a future within one of its most massive markets.

The Background

TikTok owner ByteDance has been criticized as a national security risk for data privacy concerns. In April, President Joe Biden signed a federal law demanding ByteDance divest its stakes in TikTok within nine months, though the time limit can be extended by another three months if a sale is in process. If that fails, TikTok will be banned in the U.S. come January 19, 2025, a day before Trump's second inauguration.

Trump's Pledge

Trump had promised, during his campaign, to block the ban of TikTok at every turn, in complete contrast to his first term when he himself had tried to ban the app. He says banning TikTok will only help out its competitor, Facebook, which he has repeatedly blamed for the 2020 election outcome. Trump's transition team has made it clear he will make good on the promise, saying the American people re-elected him with a mandate to get his campaign promises through.

Legal and Political Maneuvering

The fate of TikTok remains in the courts, with both sides urging a federal appeals court to rule by December 6. Whoever loses is likely to appeal to the Supreme Court, which would take at least several more months. If Trump takes office before the case concludes, he might press Congress for a repeal or instruct his attorney general not to enforce the ban.

Lobbying Efforts

In an effort to cling to TikTok, ByteDance has been aggressive in its lobbying in Washington, spending millions already. The company has hired several veterans, including David Urban, a lobbyist and former aide to the Trump campaign, and Kellyanne Conway, former senior Trump aide, who has now been pushing TikTok's interests in Congress.

Implications for TikTok Users

For an incoming president who has come out swinging against China, this could be the most significant policy about-face. For TikTok's 180 million U.S. users, this means an uncensored ability to go on using the popular app without disruption. Larger elements related to U.S.-China relations and data privacy, however, remain to be seen.

For the last four years, the Biden administration and TikTok have been talking to solve security worries about the app, which is owned by a Chinese company. Let's explore what's happening. Some secret plans with TikTok suggest that the U.S. might control the app in a way similar to China to avoid an upcoming ban.

Uncertainty about TikTok in the U.S.: TikTok needs to do something big, like becoming a public company or letting a really big tech company buy it, to avoid being banned. At this time, it looks like both options are being considered.

Why TikTok Matters: There's famous people like Charli D'Amelio who are really popular on TikTok, and she doesn't want TikTok to go away because she has lots of fans. Her recent fan base was more that 150 thousand.

In a world where social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, the recent controversy surrounding TikTok has left many wondering about the implications it holds for user privacy. Clemson University's decision to ban the popular video-sharing app has sparked conversations not only among students but also among educators, parents, and digital privacy advocates. With over 2 billion downloads worldwide, TikTok has captured the attention of a diverse user base, particularly among Gen Z. However, concerns about data security and potential privacy breaches have raised red flags, leading institutions like Clemson University to take a stand. As we delve into the ramifications of this ban, it becomes crucial to understand the significance it holds for student privacy in an era where personal information is increasingly vulnerable. Join us as we explore the impact of Clemson University's decision and the larger implications it has on the ongoing debate surrounding online privacy and the protection of user data.

Background on Clemson University's decision

Clemson University, a renowned institution known for its commitment to student well-being, made headlines when it announced its decision to ban TikTok on campus. This move came in response to growing concerns over data security and the potential risks associated with the popular app.

The university's decision was not made lightly but rather after careful consideration of various factors. One of the primary concerns stemmed from the app's ownership by Chinese company ByteDance, leading to worries about the potential for data collection and surveillance by foreign entities. As a result, Clemson University took a proactive approach to protect its student body, prioritizing their privacy and safety.

While some criticized the decision, arguing that it limited student expression and engagement, others applauded the university's commitment to ensuring a secure environment for its students. The ban served as a wake-up call for many, shedding light on the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly interconnected world.

Understanding student privacy concerns

The ban on TikTok by Clemson University brought student privacy concerns to the forefront of the conversation. As digital natives, students are often at the forefront of adopting new technologies and social media platforms. However, this also means that they may not fully comprehend the potential risks and implications of sharing personal information online.

One of the main concerns surrounding TikTok is the app's data collection practices. TikTok collects a vast amount of user data, including but not limited to location information, device identifiers, and browsing history. This data is used to personalize content and serve targeted ads, raising questions about the extent to which user privacy is respected.

Additionally, there have been allegations of TikTok sharing user data with the Chinese government, fueling worries about potential surveillance and national security risks. While TikTok has repeatedly denied these claims, the concerns remain, leading to a growing sense of unease among users, including students.

Clemson University's ban on TikTok reflects a broader need to address these concerns and educate students about the importance of protecting their privacy online. By taking a stand against the app, the university aims to foster a culture of digital responsibility and encourage students to be mindful of the potential risks associated with sharing personal information on social media platforms.

Legal implications of the TikTok ban

The ban on TikTok by Clemson University raises important legal questions regarding the rights and responsibilities of educational institutions when it comes to protecting student privacy.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), educational institutions have a legal obligation to protect the privacy of student records. This includes safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access and disclosure. By banning TikTok, Clemson University demonstrates its commitment to fulfilling this obligation and ensuring that student data remains secure.

However, the ban also raises questions about the limits of institutional control over student behavior and expression. While universities have a responsibility to create a safe and secure environment for their students, they must also balance this with the need to foster an open and inclusive campus community.

As the legal landscape surrounding online privacy continues to evolve, it is crucial for educational institutions to navigate these complexities and establish clear policies that protect student privacy while respecting individual rights and freedoms.

Impact on student social media use

The ban on TikTok at Clemson University has undoubtedly impacted student social media use. TikTok, known for its addictive nature and viral content, has become a popular platform for students to express themselves, connect with peers, and showcase their creativity.

With the ban in place, students have had to find alternative platforms to fill the void left by TikTok. Many have turned to Instagram Reels and Snapchat Spotlight, which offer similar features and allow for creative expression. However, the shift to these platforms is not without its own challenges.

Unlike TikTok, which has a dedicated algorithm designed to promote content discovery, other platforms may not offer the same level of visibility. This means that students may have to work harder to gain recognition and build a following on these alternative platforms.

Furthermore, the ban has also prompted students to reflect on their social media use and the potential risks associated with sharing personal information online. It has sparked conversations about digital footprints, online reputation, and the importance of maintaining privacy in a digital age.

While the ban may have disrupted the social media landscape for students, it has also presented an opportunity for them to reassess their online presence and make more informed decisions about the platforms they engage with.

Alternatives to TikTok for student engagement

With the ban on TikTok in place, students at Clemson University have had to explore alternative platforms for social engagement and creative expression. Fortunately, there are several options available that offer similar features and opportunities for connection.

Instagram Reels, for example, allows users to create and share short videos set to music. This feature, integrated into the Instagram platform, provides a seamless transition for students familiar with the app. With a large user base and robust discovery features, Instagram Reels offers a viable alternative for students looking to express themselves creatively.

Another platform gaining popularity is Snapchat Spotlight. Similar to TikTok, Snapchat Spotlight allows users to create short videos and share them with a wide audience. With its emphasis on viral content and a user-friendly interface, Snapchat Spotlight has quickly become a go-to platform for those seeking to showcase their talent and connect with others.

Additionally, YouTube Shorts and Triller are emerging platforms that cater to the short-form video format popularized by TikTok. These platforms offer unique features and opportunities for student engagement, making them worth exploring as alternatives to TikTok.

While the ban may have limited the options available to students, the diverse range of alternative platforms ensures that they can continue to express themselves and connect with others in a safe and secure manner.

Best practices for protecting student privacy on social media

The ban on TikTok at Clemson University serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting student privacy on social media platforms. While institutions play a crucial role in implementing measures to safeguard student data, individuals themselves must also take steps to protect their privacy.

Here are some best practices for students to consider when using social media:

1. Review privacy settings: Take the time to understand the privacy settings available on each platform and adjust them to suit your comfort level. Limit the information visible to the public and ensure that only trusted individuals have access to personal details.

2. Be cautious about sharing personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive information such as home addresses, phone numbers, or financial details on social media platforms. This information can be used for malicious purposes if it falls into the wrong hands.

3. Think before you post: Consider the potential long-term impact of your posts before sharing them online. Once something is posted, it can be challenging to remove it entirely from the internet. Be mindful of the content you share and the potential consequences it may have.

4. Regularly review and update passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each social media account and update them regularly. This helps protect against unauthorized access to your accounts and ensures that your personal information remains secure.

5. Stay informed about platform policies: Keep up-to-date with the privacy policies and terms of service of the platforms you use. Understand how your data is collected, stored, and shared to make informed decisions about the platforms you engage with.

By implementing these best practices, students can take an active role in protecting their privacy and ensuring a safer online experience.

Clemson University's approach to student privacy

Clemson University's decision to ban TikTok is a testament to its commitment to student privacy and data security. By taking a proactive stance, the university has sent a clear message that safeguarding student information is a top priority.

Clemson University has a comprehensive approach to student privacy that extends beyond the ban on TikTok. The university has implemented robust data protection measures and privacy policies to ensure that student records and personal information are secure.

These measures include regular audits and assessments of data security protocols, encryption of sensitive information, and strict access controls. The university also provides resources and education to students, raising awareness about online privacy and promoting responsible digital citizenship.

Clemson University's commitment to student privacy extends beyond the digital realm. The university recognizes the importance of creating a culture of trust and respect, fostering an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while knowing that their personal information is protected.

By prioritizing student privacy and taking a proactive approach to data security, Clemson University sets an example for other institutions and highlights the importance of creating a safe and secure online environment for students.

Public opinion on the TikTok ban

The ban on TikTok by Clemson University has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some applaud the university's decision as a necessary step to protect student privacy, others view it as an infringement on freedom of expression and an overreaction to perceived risks.

Supporters of the ban argue that it is essential to prioritize student safety and data security, particularly given the concerns surrounding TikTok's ownership and data practices. They believe that the ban serves as a wake-up call, prompting individuals to reassess the potential risks associated with sharing personal information on social media platforms.

On the other hand, critics argue that the ban limits student engagement and stifles creativity. They argue that TikTok provides a unique outlet for self-expression and connection, and its ban denies students an opportunity to engage with a diverse global community.

Public opinion on the TikTok ban is also influenced by broader debates surrounding online privacy and the role of social media platforms in collecting and using personal data. The ban has sparked conversations about the responsibility of tech companies and the need for stronger regulations to protect user privacy.

Ultimately, public opinion on the TikTok ban reflects the complex nature of the issue. While there is a consensus on the importance of protecting student privacy, opinions differ on the most effective approach to achieve this while maintaining freedom of expression and fostering a vibrant digital community.

The White House supports the bill which allows the U.S. to ban Chinese-owned video app TikTok and other Chinese applications over national security risks. Read more here!

The White House has endorsed a new bill that would grant the president powers to ban Chinese-owned apps, like the popular social media platform TikTok, due to national security risks. Find out more about this controversial legislation and its potential impacts.

TikTok collects a large amount of data from its users, including location, device information, and usage patterns. This has led to concerns about how this data is used and who has access to it.

What is the TikTok Ban?

The TikTok Ban, or the Keeping The RISTRICT Act of 2023, is legislation that would allow the President to prohibit U.S. companies from doing business with Chinese apps such as TikTok. This new bill grants sweeping powers to the Executive branch, allowing them to ban Chinese-owned applications on the basis of national security risks.

What Security Risks Does TikTok Pose?

TikTok poses a variety of security risks to the United States. It is a Chinese-owned app that can be used as a tool for hackers to access personal information such as passwords, user contact lists, location data, and other sensitive information that may be used to target American citizens or businesses. Additionally, the Chinese government could use the app as a way of gathering intelligence from Americans, which could in turn be used for espionage or other malicious activities.

Like any social media platform, it's important for users to be aware of the potential risks and to use the platform responsibly.

Who Would be Affected by a TikTok Ban?

A potential ban of TikTok would have a significant impact on the American people, especially those in the younger age group who use the app to connect with friends, share content, and express themselves. Furthermore, any businesses that used the platform for advertising purposes or relied on it for user-generated content would be negatively impacted as well. The consequences of a ban are far-reaching, illustrating why it is important to take a serious look at the security risks associated with TikTok before making any definitive decisions. It's important to note that TikTok can also be a fun and creative platform that can be used in positive ways.

How Would a TikTok Ban Impact U.S.-China Relations?

A ban of TikTok and other Chinese applications could put a strain on U.S-China relations as it would be seen as a direct part of the ongoing tech cold war between the two countries. This could lead to further retaliation from China, sparking an even more tumultuous relationship between the nations. Additionally, this move may have global repercussions with other countries potentially following suit and implementing their own bans of Chinese technology in fear of possible security risks. It’s important to consider all the implications of a potential ban before making any decisive moves.

The US Commerce Department has announced that it is rescinding a decision made to place Chinese owned TikTok and WeChat on a list of applications that were prohibited from transactions by US citizens. The ban was issued in September of last year by the Trump administration in a bid to stop any additional downloads of the apps.

Presidential Executive Orders

President Joe Biden recently withdrew a number of executive orders by the previous president that sought to block any new downloads of the apps which are owned by the Chinese company Tencent and ordered the Commerce Department to conduct a review of any security concerns posed by these and other Chinese-made apps. The previous administration had established the so-called 'TikTok ban' in response to concerns about data being gathered on US citizens by China and also sought to ban transactions with other apps, including WeChat, which would have effectively banned their use in the US. WeChat has reportedly been downloaded by more than 19 million users in the US and has become a widely used platform for payments, services and games. Biden's new executive order revokes the bans against WeChat and TikTok as well as against another eight communication and financial software applications.

While Biden's executive order rescinded the bans, it nonetheless directed the Commerce Department to continue monitoring applications like TikTok to determine whether they could impact US national security. It also ordered the department to present recommendations within 120 days that would help to protect US data acquired or made available to companies controlled by other foreign adversaries.

National Security Concerns

TikTok remains one of the world's most popular social media apps and China's foreign ministry welcomed the move as a positive move urging the US to respect the free market and not to use so-called national security concerns to suppress China's tech industry. The effort by the Trump administration to effectively ban various Chinese apps had led to numerous legal challenges which had the effect of heightening tensions between the two countries. Last year a US district court judge granted a temporary injunction to TikTok that blocked the effort to ban downloading the app. At the time Trump had approved a bid by US tech company Oracle (backed by Walmart) to purchase TikTok but the move failed to gain approval from China's regulators. The app is believed to have more than 1 billion users world wide and is particularly popular with younger users.

TikTok, the social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is facing a UK lawsuit that could see it forced to pay damages of billions of pounds if it is successful. The lawsuit, brought by legal firm Scott and Scott and backed by a former British children's commissioner, claims that the company collects a huge range of children's personal information when they use the app. As well as harvesting their pictures and videos, it is claimed the app also collects children's phone numbers, specific location details and biometric data which it then sells to third parties for profit.

British Children Data Harvested

Parents and children are likely to be shocked by the revelations, as well as privacy regulators, since the app is used by a huge number of teenagers. According to the UKs media regulator OfCom, it is estimated that almost 45% of children aged between 8 and 12 use the app which represents about 3.5 million children in the UK alone and is likely to be potentially millions more across Europe as a whole.

The lawsuit claims that children's personal information was harvested without explicit consent being gained (which, in the case of children under the age of 18, would need to come from an adult) and constitutes a serious breach of both UK and EU privacy provisions, according to one of the lawyers acting for the plaintiffs in the case.

TikTok Blocked

This is not the first time that the ByteDance's data protection policies have been challenged and Tiktok sued. In 2019 the US Federal Trade Commission levied a record fine of $5.7 million against the company for similar offences of illegally gathering children's personal information. It has also come under scrutiny in India where it was temporarily banned and finally blocked completely from the country. TikTok is also under investigation by the UK Information Commissioner's Office for whether it complies with the UK's data protection rules and whether it protects children's right to data privacy with a report expected later in the year.

TikTok claims that it is only intended for users over the age of 13 but it is claimed that the app is being used by much younger children since all they need to do is enter an older age as there is no additional checking performed by the app. Lawyers are seeking thousands of pounds of compensation for each child, seeking that the app meet its user age requirements as well as demanding that the company provide full transparency about the data it collects and the purposes it is used for.

Developed and launched in 2016 by ByteDance, TikTok is a social media application that allows users to share short videos. In early 2020, TikTok gained massive popularity across the globe, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic that triggered the social isolation and lockdown policies. While this application was solely meant for entertainment at first, e-commerce sellers are now taking advantage of it to market their products. With that in mind, here's a look at some of the new TikTok's new features.

TikTok Product Links

This feature allows the seller to add a product link, which enables the users to click and view the products in the online shop. This way, TikTok sellers get to market their products on this platform without necessarily displaying them.

Short Video Displays

Apart from adding a link to your products, TikTok also allows you to display your products in form of short videos. Here, you can demonstrate the actual working of the product and get people interested in purchasing it.

Livestreamed Shopping

This feature allows brands and influencers to host shopping livestreams, enabling viewers to view products and make in-app purchases in real-time. The TV shopping channel feature is suitable for brands and influencers that command a massive fan following.

TikTok's Competitors

Currently, TikTok is competing with numerous other ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, Wix, Square online, BigCommerce, and Squarespace. Despite their different business models, these platforms target virtually the same audience, meaning the competition in this space is cutthroat.

TikTok Partnership With Shopify

In October 2020, TikTok announced a partnership with Shopify that would allow at least 1 million merchants to market and sell their products through video ads. So far, the TikTok for Business feature enables ecommerce entrepreneurs to create and run campaigns on TikTok and engage their online communities. Beyond advertising their offerings on TikTok, merchants can also sell their offerings on the platform, and therefore, earn money on the platform.

While everyone else seems to be slumbering through the pandemic, TikTok seems intent on building a mighty digital empire. On all fronts, TikTok seems to be making deals and sewing up talent and sponsorships.

TikTok Business Partners

There seems to be a sense of real urgency in their efforts to embed themselves deeply into the social fabric of the nation. This could of course just be intelligent business practices, but it may also perhaps be fueled by TikTok's near-death experience at the hands of Donald Trump. If the matter ever comes up again, they apparently want plenty of native allies and business partners available to speak on their behalf.

The company has recently been expanding hard into partnerships with major sports leagues. The most recently announced deal comes via twin Major League Soccer franchises. The Portland Timbers of the men's league and the Portland Thorns of the women's bracket have agreed to long-term sponsorship deals with TikTok which will include the addition of the well-known TikTok logo on the jersey sleeves of their upcoming 2021 season. While the company will not own the coveted front of the jersey, they are nevertheless making their mark. Few doubt that this is just the opening move in a long term strategy to make the company ubiquitous, especially among the younger generation.

Other recent sports-oriented moves are built around hosting live events for the increasingly popular UFC and, over in Europe, sponsoring the 2020 EUFA Football Tournament. All of these efforts show their eagerness to build a lifestyle brand that is much larger than just the original short-form video platform. What they clearly have in mind is an idealized user who has interests in the many things that TikTok is now partnering up with.

Long-Form Version of Tiktok

With significant recent acquisitions being booked in both the sports and music fields, one has to wonder what will come next on the corporate platter of delicacies? In particular, the many sports moves suggest that there are plans for a long-form version of TikTok on the horizon. Showing snippets of UFC or MLS action is nice highlight reel stuff, but the big money is still found in broadcasting the games themselves.

When is the TikTok Ban Deadline?

Several days have gone by since November 12, the date popular Chinese-owned social media app, TikTok was supposed to be banned in the United States. Not only did this ban not happen, but the fuzz that came with it also faded away after tense months of trying to guess what was going to happen. Last week, it was reported that because Trump is contesting the results of the Election, TikTok feels as if his administration has its hands full with the legal drama surrounding it, therefore, simply forgetting to come through with the ban. That aside, TikTokers have filed a couple of injunctions that are helping to stall the app's ban.

On November 13, which also happened to the Friday the 13th, the Commerce Department's order to effectively bar TikTok in the United States was blocked by a US district court. If that executive order had not been blocked by Judge Wendy Beetlestone, the ban on ByteDance-owned TikTok would have taken effect on November 12 barring the app from being used in the country.

The Commerce Department reacted to these injunction by saying it would comply with it but it plans to defend the executive order and the efforts to implement it from legal challenges.

When giving her ruling, Judge Wendy encouraged the Commerce Department not to bar TikTok from providing their content delivery services, or hosting their data in the US.

TikTok's troubles started when Trump's administration made claims that it poses concerns to the national security of the United States because the app collects personal data on 100 million Americans who use it. The administration went on to claim that the Chinese government could easily obtain this data from ByteDance, putting the US at risk, allegations that TikTok denies.

Will the Tiktok Ban Happen?

For now, there is no clear indication on whether or not the ban will take effect in the future.

US District Judge Carl Nichols, who on September 27 issued a preliminary injunction that stopped the removal of TikTok from Alphabet Inc's Google Play Store and Apple Inc's App Store will on November 18 hold a hearing on the other aspects of the executive order blocked by Judge Beetlestone. So let's wait and see.

TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms out today. From trending dances to sketch comedies, social media influencers are really finding creative ways to make great content, brand themselves, and earn livable salaries. Still, the social media platform has not been without its challenges and controversy.

What Is TikTok and Why Is TikTok US In the Throes of Political Discourse

TikTok, in many ways, is like the popular Vine app we had a few years ago. Like Vine, TikTok is a video social media app where 'real short videos' take center-stage. The short-form video app has been the source of viral dances that have taken pop songs up the Billboard charts, as well as spearheaded viral political activism and satirical content. It is the virality of its content that has added to the app's popularity and rapid rise within the pop culture digital dynamic.

All things considered (including the shareability of its content to just about every other popular social media platform), all is good and well in the world of TikTok. Well, except for its owner, that is. The TikTok app is owned by Chinese company ByteDance. The concern is that user data can be handed over to the Chinese government if so required. The owners of TikTok has pointed to the fact that they are against such practices and would not hand over user data at the request of the Chinese or any other government. Still, the United States (US) government considers the app to be a national security threat and commands that the app owner meet the outlined requirements of risk being banned in the US.

The Ultimatum: The Only Solution the Trump Administration Will Accept

Even with the best efforts of the owners of TikTok to reassure the US government and other critics that the app does not use spy technologies nor is it a threat to national security, the Trump administration has laid down the gauntlet. The ultimatum is simply this, be banned in the US or be owned by a US company with user data being held and controlled on US soil - far from access by foreign governments and espionage. With the option to be US-owned, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.