TikTok is undeniably one of the most popular apps, with nearly 1 billion active users to date. TikTok gave rise to many people who became celebrities, similar to that of the app Vine. Now, traditional celebrities and even famous brands such as PlayStation are premiering content on the platform. TikTok gained massive recognition, but soon, it may face its biggest challenge; the United States Government.
GameRant reports Secretary Mike Pompeo’s recent appearance on Fox News. Pompeo suggested that TikTok, along with other Chinese developed social media apps, should be banned. In the report, Pompeo is said to now want to “get out in front of Trump,” this confirms that the U.S. government is considering banning TikTok. He stated, “With respect to Chinese apps on people’s cellphones, I can assure you the United States will get this one too.” There are concerns of TikTok being a national security risk. Others theorize that the Chinese government uses the app to collect data from its American users.
In response to Pompeo, TikTok issued a statement. They wrote, “TikTok is led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product and public policy here in the U.S. We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government nor would we do so if asked.”
Content creators continue to grow in this platform. TikTok even has popular Twitch clips and other gaming content. It even has become a source for gaming news and guides.
ByteDance, the studio behind TikTok, indicated they would be making video games. By doing this, they’d strengthen TikTok’s ties with the gaming community. However, this plan is in jeopardy now that the government might ban it from the country.
