The hugely popular Chinese app TikTok may be forced out of the U.S. as a measure to outlaw the video-sharing app has won congressional approval and is on its way to President Biden for his signature. In India, the app was banned nearly four years ago due to privacy concerns and threats to sovereignty and security.
In June 2020, TikTok users in India bid goodbye to the app following a military clash along the India-China border, which resulted in casualties on both sides. The ban was supported by many in India who were already calling for a boycott of Chinese goods.
India's ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps was swift, with the government citing national security risks. This move led to the rise of alternative short-form video platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels in the Indian market.
Despite the ban, many content creators and users in India have successfully transitioned to other platforms like Instagram, where they continue to engage with their audience and monetize their content.
Comparing India's ban to the current situation in the U.S., experts note that the U.S. legal system and market dynamics present different challenges for banning TikTok. The U.S. legislation gives ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, a timeline to sell the app or face a ban, with potential legal hurdles that could prolong the process.
As Chinese apps face scrutiny globally, countries are urged to evaluate their reliance on Chinese technology due to potential national security risks. Several countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, and Afghanistan, have also banned or restricted TikTok and other Chinese apps.
Experts emphasize the need for different regulations for democratic countries compared to authoritarian regimes, where companies may act in alignment with state interests, posing security risks for other nations.
