In a major blow to the popular Chinese social networking app TikTok, dozens of countries have launched a global boycott of the platform amid growing national security concerns. Partial or total bans on TikTok have been imposed in a number of countries around the world, with many citing the app’s ties to the Chinese government as the reason for the move.
The list of countries that have banned or partially blocked TikTok is extensive, with the United States, India, Australia, Japan and Canada among the most notable. The U.S. was one of the first countries to take action against TikTok: former President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning the app in August 2020. The order cited data privacy and national security concerns, and although it was initially blocked by a federal judge, the ban was eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
India followed suit in September 2020, with the Indian government announcing a ban on TikTok and dozens of other apps owned by a Chinese company, citing national security concerns. The move came amid escalating tensions between India and China, as the two countries engaged in a border dispute that erupted into a violent clash in June of that year.
Other countries have also taken steps to limit TikTok’s influence, with Australia banning use by government officials and military personnel, and Japan calling for stricter regulations on the platform. Canada has also expressed concern about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government, and the country’s intelligence agency has warned that the app poses a potential security threat.
Despite the growing number of countries taking action against TikTok, the app remains incredibly popular around the world, with millions of users logging in daily to share short videos and chat with others. However, recent bans and restrictions have raised serious questions about the app’s future, and many wonder if TikTok can continue to thrive in this environment.