TikTok, a Chinese app developed by ByteDance, is now banned in the USA. Formerly, because of security and privacy reasons, the app has been leaking user data and personal details. In this article, you will learn when and how the TikTok ban in the USA happened, the TikTok ban bill, and the timeline. Read to Know more!
Is TikTok Banned In The USA?
A bill was passed in White Hall in April 2024, where the parent company ByteDance was asked to sell tiktok to the USA or it would be banned. The authorities didn’t sign the deal till December, so in January 2025, a bill was passed by Trump that after 75 days, i.e, on 4th April 2025, it will be banned by the USA.
Why Is TikTok Banned In The USA?
The US govt banned tiktok for various reasons, including:
Security & Privacy Concerns
Allegations were made against the app that it leaks users’ personal information. And for some reason, national security was also at stake as ByteDance leaked data to the Chinese government.
Scrolling Obsession
People are getting addicted to TikTok videos. Although the app has introduced a feature that notifies users to stop using the app after 60 minutes, it was of no use as it was just a reminder. It makes the lifestyle sedentary and has adverse effects on health.
Misguidance
The app has made statements that it does not allow any kind of false information or guidance, but content makers are still posting content that is spreading negativity. Even though the app does not support any political ads but the followers of those parties post controversial content.
Emotional Well-Being
Mental health is a topic of concern for people who have eating disorders, tobacco use, and suicide. This content was shared on the app despite the content moderation policy.
Children Welfare
Accusations have been made that children under 13 are abusing and misusing the app. Their cage verification process may be defective, allowing children under 13 to access the wrong information.
Chronology Of TikTok Ban In USA
September 2020-February 2023
In September 2020, the Trump Government tried to use its emergency power to block the app. Later, in January 2023, the app presented Project Texas, in which they contacted Oracle’s cloud to keep the USA user’s data safe, which happened in Austin, Texas. After a month, in February 2023, the Biden government banned TikTok for federal employees.
March 2023
In March 2023, the FBI and the US government launched an inquiry about allegations that were put against TikTok that they spied on American journalists. The CEO, Shou Zi Chew, presented in front of the House Energy and the Commerce Committee, but he denied that the parent company ByteDance has any links with the Chinese government. Also, the crowd gathered in Washington, DC, to protest against the TikTok ban. The govt passed the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA).
March 2024-May 2024
After one year, in March 2024, the US House Of Representatives passed a bill that demanded either to sell tikTok to the US or to be banned in US app stores and websites. Further proceedings occurred in the Senate, but the members didn’t vote.
After one month, in April 2024, the US House of Representatives and the Senate passed a foreign aid package in which the TikTok bill is included. After a few days, Biden signed the bill. Then, in May 2024, a dispute was filed against the bill that violated the First Amendment. It claimed the bill is an “extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights.”
December 2024-January 2025
In December 2024, a federal appeal was made to review the TikTok laws, but the Supreme Court asked to delay the decision. In January 2025, the TikTok ban was delayed by 75 days until 4th April 2025. By that time, no new user could download TikTok, and it was only accessible to former users.
Why TikTok Returned On iOS & Google PlayStore Now?
President Trump has assured Apple and Google authorities that they won’t be held guilty if any scandal or mishap happens. Thus, they resumed TikTok’s availability, and people were allowed to download the app. After resuming its services in the USA, TikTok sent a message to all its users, thanking Trump.
Wrap-up
TikTok is classified as a Foreign Adversary Controlled Application under the law of the USA. Other countries, such as Afghanistan, Belgium, Iran, Nepal, and India, have already banned TikTok for national security concerns; in the USA, it is already banned on government devices, and by April, it will be banned completely. You can use alternatives that are trending nowadays, such as Lemon8, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The point is to have fun by scrolling so you can use alternatives that won’t leak your data.