TikTok: China’s One-Way Mirror on the World?
Social media has become an integral part of many people’s lives, and its existence has spread everywhere in the world. There are many platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and more to cater to the ever-growing demands of the digital age. But no platform has captivated more attention than the relatively new app TikTok.
This app, owned by a branch of the Chinese internet giant ByteDance, has gained immense popularity and controversy, both due to economic reasons and political reasons. Despite, it being one of the most successful apps in the world, with many using it as a way to express themselves, market their products, and keep up with social trends, there is also a darker side to the application: a one-way mirror from China to the world.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a video-sharing application for creating and sharing short videos. It is estimated that TikTok has been downloaded over 2 billion times since its launch in 2016. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of TikTok users are outside of China, with only 21% of people on the app being considered Chinese. It has gained a lot of traction in countries such as the United States and India, with millennials and Gen Zers being the main demographic of users on the app.
The Rise of TikTok in Popularity
The rise of TikTok in the past few years has been nothing short of remarkable. It enjoyed a 160% ratio of growth when it comes to users over 2019. According to the tech analyst firm Sensor Tower, the app was downloaded 902 million times in the first three quarters of 2020 and their investors recently reported that the monthly active users of TikTok had surpass 1500 million worldwide. This makes TikTok the second most downloaded app of 2020, not only in the world, but for the App Store alone, with only WhatsApp having more downloads.
TikTok Economic Impact
The rise in downloads and newfound growth of the app has led to an economic impact that is largely unfathomable. TikTok has allowed for advertisers to reach out to new demographics and make their products more attractive through the use of influencers. These influencers have since become “brand ambassadors” that can sway public opinion and in many cases have led to companies having their brand go viral. It has also allowed for regular people to become overnight celebrities and have their 15 minutes of fame. In the case of Lil Nas X, it was the success of his song “Old Town Road” on TikTok that has garnered him international fame and helped him break many records.
TikTok’s China Ties
The success of TikTok is also tied to its links to the Chinese market, as it is owned by the conglomerate ByteDance. ByteDance itself is controlled by the Chinese government, which has led to a myriad of debates in the United States on whether or not the app should be allowed to function. This contributes to the idea of TikTok acting as a “one-way mirror”, meaning that it’s not only a platform for regular people to share their opinions on, but also a tool for the Chinese government to spy on the rest of the world.
Are Users Data at Risk?
TikTok claims that user data such as videos and photos are stored on servers located outside of China and that the app does not share any user data with the Chinese government. However, the fact remains that since the parent company is controlled by the Chinese government, ByteDance themselves have the ability to access data and even potentially sell it to other parties. This has caused many to raise their eyebrows, leading to criticisms over the way the app handles its user data.
Security Concerns with TikTok
The security concerns revolving around TikTok have also led to many calls for government scrutiny and even potential bans of the app, especially in the United States. The most prominent call being tossed around currently is the banning of the app in India due to its ties with Chinese companies and the risk of user data leaving the country. This issue has been further complicated by the ongoing trade war between China and the United States, with President Donald Trump even hinting of a possible ban to the app in the US.
TikTok Privacy Policy
Unlike other popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, TikTok does not have a robust privacy policy. This means that even with their assurances of no data from the app being sent to the Chinese government, there is still a lack of clarity when it comes to who has access to users’ data. Additionally, when it comes to moderating content, there are still many concerns when it comes to the app’s rules and regulations, as there have been reports of deleted videos and accounts on the app that have violated their rules.
The Debate over TikTok
Much like any other hot button issue, there is a debate over the app, with one side calling for the app to be banned and the other stating the economic and social benefits the app has brought. On the one side, many have stated the app is serving as a “one-way mirror” for the Chinese government and that due to the lack of robust privacy policy and the possibility of data being shared without the user’s consent, users are at risk of their data being stolen.
On the other side, many have pointed to the economic benefits of the app, such as the fact that it has allowed people to become overnight celebrities, start selling their products and services, and have a greater voice in the world. Additionally, they have pointed out that it has allowed for the creativity and self-expression of people all over the world, along with many people being able to use the app to showcase their talents.
The Future of TikTok
The future of the app will largely depend on the decision of governments all over the world in regards to whether or not they believe the app is a benefit or detriment to their countries. If governments do decide to impose bans, then the app will drastically see its use decline, as many people won’t be able to access the platform. For example, India has already imposed a ban on the app, leading to a decline of its monthly active users.
Overall, it is clear that TikTok has made its presence felt in the world. Despite its immense success, it is also important to note that due to its ties to China and the lack of a robust privacy policy, the app has raised security concerns. This has led to debates over its merits and downfalls, and the ultimate decision of whether or not to ban the app lies in the hands of the governments all over the world.
