On November 12, the USA decided to put a complete ban on the use of TikTok. The U.S. has agreed to ban Chinese apps like TikTok and WeChat on Sunday, while the latter would face a total ban. The reasons that have been provided were security and data privacy breach.
Wilbur Ross, the Commerce Secretary, reportedly said on Fox Business Network that the app’s permission would be given if a few safeguards are correctly followed. Mr. Wilbur Ross has clearly said that they are doing this as per their President’s orders, that they have also taken significant measures to fight with China’s acquisition of USA citizens’ private data in bad faith, while they are trying to hold onto the national values, democratic rules-based regulations, and active policy behavior of U.S. laws and regulations”.
The decision also expresses concern about California technology firm Oracle’s latest agreement for taking over TikTok’s U.S. operations, a Trump administration condition for the application to keep functioning in the U.S.A.
The Oracle-TikTok contract specifics were shaky at best. Oracle has been among bidders to acquire TikTok’s American operations, where Microsoft and Walmart also bidded. Oracle did not respond to the deal as a sale or takeover in announcing that it’s the highest bidder on Monday, instead stating it was selected as the “trusted technology provider of TikTok.” It is uncertain what resources, if there are any, Oracle will ultimately purchase.
TikTok gathers user information as most social media platforms and controls user posts. It records people’s positions and comments and monitors what they are viewing to find out how to better target advertising.
Similar issues extend to U.S.-based social media sites like Facebook and Twitter; however, Chinese ownership introduces an additional twist as the Chinese government could require companies to assist it in collecting information.
