Although it doesn’t boast the largest user base, TikTok has become the predominant topic of conversation. The United States has raised the possibility of banning it and has faced several lawsuits. What is the reason behind the controversy surrounding this application? How has its history unfolded?
Despite having half the number of users as Facebook, TikTok, when combined with its Chinese users, surpasses WhatsApp and Instagram in reach. Although still lagging behind Facebook and YouTube, TikTok has become the app of the moment, with videos widely shared on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, and distributed through WhatsApp. What sets it apart is that, unlike its competitors, TikTok is not under the control of an American company, which has put the app in the crosshairs of US institutions.
A group of American politicians perceive TikTok as a threat, even going so far as to consider banning it. Their concerns focus on both strategic aspects, suspecting possible Chinese influence behind the platform, and commercial aspects, as TikTok is not under the umbrella of an American company. Additionally, there are personal concerns about TikTok’s impact on youth, similar to previous controversies in which the US attempted to ban comics or video games.
The controversy surrounding TikTok is fueled by a mixture of falsehoods, suspicions, misinformation, and half-truths. The platform shares common problems with other social networks, such as promoting inappropriate content and handling personal data lightly, with accusations of spying on certain users.
It has been suggested that TikTok could be used to influence public opinion, especially during electoral periods, and to spy on employees and officials of the US government, evoking previous scandals such as that of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. Despite these concerns, TikTok has reached almost 1.6 billion monthly active users by January 2024, ranking as the third most popular social network, only behind Facebook and YouTube.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, originally from Singapore, has been the focus of attention during hearings in the US Congress. Chew took office in 2021, succeeding Kevin A. Mayer, who held the position for three months. Before joining TikTok, Chew held executive positions in companies such as Xiaomi and Goldman Sachs.
The story of TikTok is intrinsically linked to its parent company, ByteDance, founded by Zhang Yiming in 2012. The company has experienced meteoric growth since its inception, creating successful apps like Toutiao and Douyin, the latter renamed TikTok for the international market. The acquisition of Musical.ly, a music video platform, solidified TikTok’s position in the global market.
ByteDance has faced its share of controversies and regulatory pressures, both in China and abroad. However, the platform has managed to maintain its popularity and growth, adapting to legal challenges and accusations of favoring Chinese interests.
In summary, the story of TikTok is one of a platform that has defied expectations and achieved unprecedented success, despite the controversies and regulatory challenges it has faced throughout its journey.
By: Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director