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| Can we authorities absolutely ban humans from the use of Tik Tok? |
The US government is demanding that TikTok's Chinese owners sell it or risk being banned.
The demand comes at a time when several countries are expressing concern over how China will use user data collected by the app.
But the matter of banning the app is not so simple and there are many questions related to it.
Why does America want to ban Tik Tok?
TikTok collects the same data as other apps, but U.S. officials fear that the data could end up in the hands of the Chinese government.
The US says that this data can be used to spy on US citizens or spread propaganda.
The US has already banned TikTok downloads on official devices. The United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union have also taken the same step. India has banned it in 2020.
TikTok says it operates in the same way as other social media companies and says it will never comply with orders from Chinese authorities to transfer data.
One in three Americans use TikTok and banning such a popular app would be the first of its kind in the US.
How can the US government block its use?
The most likely way is to order from the Apple and Google app stores, where it is available, to remove it from their platforms. That way, people won't be able to download it, but those who already have it on their phones will. But over time the app will not receive updates and users will start facing problems.
Will there be a break in the ban on the App Store?
Most mobile devices can change their location, allowing you to access apps available in other countries. But this would be a violation of not only the downloaded app but also the mobile device regulations.
By making some changes to the mobile device, apps can be installed from the internet instead of the app store, but this will be a violation of copyright law.
But all these avenues can be blocked by Apple and Google, as they can send specific updates preventing the TikTok app from working on mobile devices in the US.
Can the US government completely block the use of Tik Tok?
When the Indian government banned TikTok, it blocked downloads and also asked Internet Service Providers (ISP) companies to block it.
This made it difficult to access the TikTok app or website through most ISPs across India, but there were other methods at the time.
Especially the different versions of this app that people can download and modify on their mobile devices.
Some people use a virtual private network (VPN) that creates a secure connection between their device and another computer connected to the Internet and makes it appear that you are in another country or region.
But even this is not enough to avoid the ban.
According to TikTok's help page, the app receives your location information through your SIM card and IP address.
This means that if your number starts with +1, TikTok knows you are in the US and can block your device's access to the app.
But it's not known whether TikTok will block users, it may refuse to cooperate with the government and instead allow people in the US to use the app as long as they comply with various regulations. can in ways.
Will people be able to post through the app?
TikTok could be ordered to block US accounts, which would mean people and businesses wouldn't be able to post unless they use other methods.
Many people use Tik Tok to do business and create content which has brought many people fame and money. The app has become a source of employment.
According to TikTok, 5 million businesses in the US use the app. If small businesses don't have a presence on other social media platforms like this app does, this ban will make a big difference to the business.
What is China's response?
China has accused the US of spreading misinformation and suppressing TikTok. When the US ordered federal employees to remove the app from their government devices, China reacted strongly.
Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning said, "How insecure can a world superpower like the United States be that it is so afraid of the youth's favorite app?"