It’s highly unlikely that TikTok will be banned in the U.S., and even if such a measure were to pass, it would likely take about a year to come into effect.

The primary focus of lawmakers is to pressure ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell the platform to a U.S. company. However, this move isn’t solely about protecting user data; in my opinion it’s more likely an attempt to gain control over TikTok’s algorithm.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of governments and mainstream media entities attempting to control the narrative. TikTok represents a platform where individuals can freely express themselves and potentially rally support against government actions or other influential bodies.

Given TikTok’s potential for mobilizing individuals and shaping public opinion, any potential buyer of the platform may be required to negotiate behind closed doors to modify the algorithm. This modification could involve subtle censorship measures aimed at suppressing dissenting voices or thwarting efforts to organize against governmental authority.

So rest assured, the immediate threat to your business from a TikTok ban seems minimal. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about the broader issue of government overreach and control over social platforms. This trend isn’t limited to TikTok; it’s already affecting other social media platforms and could potentially further impact businesses in the future.