In the spring, USA's President Joe Biden signed the law that could mean Tiktok is banned in the country. Today, the process surrounding Tiktok's appeal of the decision begins.
The controversy surrounding the extremely popular app has been ongoing for some time. Critics claim that Tiktok is fundamentally controlled by China, both in terms of content and company management. The concerns include surveillance, political influence, and direct attempts to "control" the American people.
Tiktok's defenders, and the company itself, point out that the app is global and that the connections to China only exist in administrative company contexts. In all respects, they argue, Tiktok is a standalone international entertainment product without any secret "Chinese" agenda.
The ban, if it holds, will come into effect on January 19 next year. By then, Tiktok, simplified, must have severed all ties with its Chinese parent company Bytedance. Otherwise, they will be permanently blocked from the American market.
It remains to be seen whether Tiktok's appeal will be successful or not, with an announcement expected no later than December.
