The US Congress is considering forcing a change of ownership of the popular video platform Tiktok in order to address concerns about Chinese influence. However, there are concerns about the harshness of this approach and its implications. The new law against Tiktok raises questions about freedom of speech and economic order, as well as whether it will effectively address the problems it aims to solve.
The ban on Tiktok may not be the most effective solution to address concerns about Chinese influence on social media platforms. While there are valid concerns about user data and political manipulation, existing regulations and supervision can also address these issues. Additionally, the app’s influence is dynamic and may not warrant such drastic action.
Efforts in the EU to restrict certain features on Tiktok show a more nuanced approach to addressing these concerns, which could be more effective than an outright ban. This highlights the need for targeted measures rather than extreme actions when addressing issues surrounding social media platforms and their impact on mental health.
The ban on Tiktok could have broader implications for US-China relations and set a dangerous precedent for future trade and technology disputes. It could also be used as a bargaining chip in political negotiations, which may not benefit the US in the long run. Therefore, it is important to consider alternative solutions that are more effective and appropriate when addressing issues surrounding social media platforms and their impact on mental health without resorting to extreme actions like banning a popular platform like Tiktok.