The popular app Tiktok is under scrutiny; While loved by many American citizens, the United States government has opposing feelings. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) brought up concerns about the safety and security of the app. Owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, some are worried that the foreign owners may be attempting to steal American users’ data, and spread propaganda. In March, Tiktoks Executive Chief, Shou Chew, defended the app when attending a congressional hearing determining whether Tiktok should be banned in the US. 

Apart from the government influence, articles in notable media sources note that many are worried about the broader impact of social media, particularly Tiktok, on both present and future generations. “[Tiktok] gets you hooked on so many things,” said Hall freshman Emma Hynes. Users claim the app is rather addictive, which is the main reason why Eliot Advani, a senior at The Wheeler School in Rhode Island, deleted the app back in December. “It was taking over my screen time.” Advani believed that deleting the app would help him become more productive, but has found that “Instagram reels has taken over.” This brings the question to light: is Tiktok the main problem?

Many disagree with the possible banning of the app, claiming that it is an infringement on the First Amendment Right. The American Civil Liberties Union brought up this concern to the House Foreign Affairs Committees in late February. 

Aside from this issue, Tiktok is an outlet for many creators. Brett Boles, the choral teacher at Hall, started his own Tiktok account in December 2020. His account, “The M Tea” (@brettboles on Tiktok), quickly acquired much attention, not only from citizens but also celebrities, such as Lin Manuel Miranda and Zooey Deschanel. “It [Tiktok] has opened very many doors.” Boles recently announced that he will be leaving the district at the end of the school year to pursue the opportunities that Tiktok has helped him reach.

Other countries, such as Britain, Canada, and France have banned the app. Several universities and government devices have also banned Tiktok including the University of Texas at Austin, Auburn University, and Boise State University, in an effort to protect their citizens. 

This possible ban is not the first time Tiktok has been in the spotlight. Back in 2020, former President Donald Trump attempted to disembark the app, due to similar concerns.