The House of Representatives passed an ultimatum targeted toward the company ByteDance stating that once active, TikTok must sell ownership to a non-Chinese-based organization within six months, or TikTok shall be banned in the US, however, it must pass through the Senate before it can become active. Does it benefit the interests of US citizens? No, it does not.

   TikTok has major significance in helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and ideas, many creators have been able to start a business and grow it significantly through only TikTok exposure. TikTok allows citizens to express their creativity, create and grow trends, as well as be an open platform to express the right to free speech. A ban against TikTok would be a violation of the First Amendment.

   Being under Chinese ownership does make TikTok a threat OR does make the US vulnerable . . . to the US government, military, and citizens. Chinese law requires all businesses in China to collect data, at any point that China deems fit, they can ask for and filter all information collected. In addition, ByteDance must allow the Chinese government to influence the feed given to users of TikTok. Chinese government can use this power to promote disinformation and propaganda influencing elections and political opinions. China is also able to track the locations and contacts of anyone who uses the app. This could include military personnel and government officials, which could pose a national security threat. 

   Although other social media apps do collect data information from their users, they are owned in countries with a trusted government or ally of the US. 

   TikTok brings freedom of speech, open expression, creativity, and social trends to the US, but it is a potential threat to the safety of the US Citizens. TikTok does so much good to the citizens of the US that for it to be banned too much harm to small businesses, society, and social norms would come with it. 

   To do the best for US Citizens TikTok must be sold instead of being banned. Selling TikTok would avoid the national security risks that come with China having control of the app, while also being able to keep all the good the app brings.