19 min read
| January 31, 2025
Over the past few years, TikTok has become a thriving hub for creativity, viral trends, and influencer marketing. But concerns over privacy and security have sparked debates about its future in the U.S. So much so, in fact, that the popular video-sharing app was briefly banned earlier this month before a temporary delay was put in place. So, what’s the deal? Is TikTok getting banned? And if it is, what does this mean for the millions of users, influencers, and businesses that rely on it every day?
Here's everything you need to know about the ongoing TikTok ban debate including its political context and the far-reaching repercussions it has had—and could continue to have—on users, businesses, and even U.S.-China relations.
Why Is TikTok Facing a Ban?
With 170 million monthly active users around the nation, TikTok has become one of the most popular apps in the U.S., but it’s also at the center of a growing debate about privacy and security. The app’s connection to ByteDance, a Chinese-based company, has made it a focal point in the larger conversation about data security and the influence of foreign adversaries. U.S. officials fear that Chinese laws could require ByteDance to share user data with the Chinese government, a possibility that many see as a potential national security risk.
TikTok, however, says it’s doing everything it can to keep user data safe and secure. To address these concerns, the company launched an initiative known as “Project Texas.” This plan involves storing U.S. user data on servers located in the United States. These servers are managed by Oracle, an American company, and the goal is to keep the data protected and out of reach of ByteDance or foreign governments. TikTok has also been trying to be more open about how the app works and how it handles data to build trust with both the government and the public, issuing the following public statement: “We’ve never shared U.S. user data with the Chinese government, nor would we if asked. We are committed to earning and maintaining the trust of our users and regulators.”
Still, opinions on TikTok remain divided. While some experts point out there’s no solid evidence that TikTok has misused data, others argue that it’s better to be cautious, especially with an app that collects so much information and that is connected to a foreign company.
Recent Developments: What’s the Latest on the TikTok Ban?
So, what’s the latest? Is TikTok getting banned anytime soon?
Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question yet, but there’s been a lot happening recently. Let’s take a look at what’s unfolded so far…
In 2024, the U.S. government passed a law known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA) which required ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell its U.S. operations or face a complete ban. ByteDance fought back by challenging the law in court, but earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld it. This led to TikTok suspending its services in the U.S. on January 19, 2025, disrupting millions of users and businesses that rely on the app for content creation, marketing, and income.
However, within less than 24 hours, President Donald Trump signed an order delaying the enforcement of the ban by 75 days. This gave TikTok a temporary break, allowing it to resume services in the U.S. Nonetheless, while this extension gives the platform a bit of breathing room, it is only a short-term solution as discussions around how to address concerns with the app continue.
As of right now, TikTok is up and running in the U.S., but the debate is far from settled. Lawmakers, officials, and industry leaders are still weighing their options, while users and businesses are left waiting to see what comes next. The developments so far show how serious the U.S. government is about addressing concerns over data privacy and security, making it clear that this is an ongoing issue.
How Would a Ban Impact Users, Businesses, and Influencers?
If TikTok gets banned in the U.S., it will affect millions of people, including everyday users, influencers, and businesses. For users, TikTok is a fun and creative platform where people watch videos, share ideas, and connect with others. Losing the app would mean losing a space that many enjoy for entertainment, discovering trends, and staying in touch with their communities.
For influencers, the impact will be even bigger. Many creators use TikTok as their main platform for sharing content, growing their audience, and making money through partnerships and sponsorships. If TikTok were banned, they would have to switch to other platforms like Instagram or YouTube. However, starting over on a new platform takes time and effort, and some creators might not be able to rebuild the same kind of success.
As TikTok creator @reagan.baylee said in a recent post, “The thing that sucks most about this app going away is that this is where I found my confidence. I saw so many people in the world who had birthmarks on their faces like me.”
This testimony underscores how TikTok has been more than just a platform for entertainment; it has served as a vital space for representation, self-discovery, and connection with like-minded communities.
Businesses, especially small ones, would also feel the loss. TikTok has become an important tool for brands hoping to reach customers through ads, challenges, and viral trends. It’s a budget-friendly way for smaller companies to connect with younger audiences. Without TikTok, these businesses might struggle to find other platforms that offer the same kind of reach and engagement.
“Rather than applying arbitrary bans, US authorities should introduce regulations that govern all tech platforms to protect everyone’s human rights in the digital age” - said Lauren Armistead, Deputy Director at Amnesty Tech.
A ban on TikTok wouldn’t just take away an app: it would change the way people, creators, and businesses interact online. It could take months, or even years, for everyone to adjust to the loss of such a powerful platform.
Could a TikTok Ban Affect the Global Influencer Marketing Industry?
A TikTok ban could seriously shake up the influencer marketing world, and not just in the U.S. Over the years, TikTok has completely changed the game for influencers and brands. It has made short, fun, and creative videos the standard for marketing, and its trends often spread to other platforms. Without TikTok, many influencers and businesses will need to rethink how they reach people.
One of TikTok’s most useful tools is its templates. These make it easy for creators to follow trends and create high-quality videos with effects, transitions, and music. Templates save time and help influencers make content that stands out. If TikTok is no longer around, platforms like Instagram or YouTube might need to add similar features to keep creators happy.
Instagram, for example, could become more popular with influencers, but it works very differently. TikTok’s algorithm is known for helping new creators go viral and get discovered quickly. Instagram’s algorithm, on the other hand, often favors accounts that already have big followings. This might make it harder for smaller influencers and newer brands to grow.
A TikTok ban would force influencers and brands to adjust. They might have to learn new tools, change how they create content, and spend more time on other platforms. It would also be a big shift for the global influencer marketing industry, which has relied on TikTok to lead the way in creative trends.
What Happens Next? The Future of TikTok in the U.S.
Right now, no one knows for sure what will happen to TikTok in the U.S. The 75-day delay ordered by President Trump has given the app some extra time, but TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, are still under pressure to address concerns about privacy and security. This has left many people wondering, is TikTok getting banned permanently, or can it find a way to stay?
One option is for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to an American company. Big names like Microsoft and Oracle have shown interest in buying the app, and there are even rumors that high-profile figures like Mr Beast or Elon Musk stepping in as potential buyers. If a sale happens, TikTok could continue operating in the U.S., and the government would have more oversight of how data is managed. This would also allow influencers and businesses to keep using TikTok as a key part of their marketing strategies.
If no deal is reached, TikTok could face another ban. This would have a big impact on the influencer marketing industry. TikTok has been a driving force for short-form content and viral trends, which many brands and creators rely on. Moving to platforms like Instagram might help, but those platforms don’t always offer the same visibility or tools that make TikTok so effective.
For now, TikTok remains available, but its future is uncertain. The coming weeks will determine whether the app can continue shaping the influencer marketing world or if creators and brands will have to adjust to life without it.
