Introduction to the media issue: Should TikTok be banned from personal devices?
Video clip at right: On April 16, 2023, 9 News reported that the US state of Montana had just voted to ban TikTok from all personal devices in the state. The report includes an interview with Liberal Senator James Patterson who argues that such a ban should be part of discussions in Australia.
The Issue at a Glance
What they said...'Having TikTok on our phones is like having 80 million Chinese spy balloons flying over America.'
Darrell Issa, a United States Republican Congressman
'This whole TikTok ban has nothing to do with our safety and everything to do with [the fact that Facebook] can't beat them.'
Fiona Williams, a United States TikTok user and supporter
On April 15, 2023, Montana became the first state in the United States to impose a total ban on the TikTok app, including its installation on personal devices. TikTok as well as Apple and Google, which operate mobile app stores, will face fines if they violate the ban.
On February 28, 2023, the White House announced that all United States federal agencies had 30 days to delete the TikTok app from government-issued mobile devices. This directive came into effect at the start of April.
On April 3, 2023, the Australian government similarly announced that TikTok must be removed from all devices issued to federal employees, including politicians. The United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand have already ordered such bans.
Many fear the current bans will lead to a total ban on TikTok on all devices in the United States and similar action in other Western democracies. India's nearly 200 million private users were required to stop using 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, in 2020.
Those who want the app to remain available highlight the importance of freedom of expression and access to entertainment and commercial opportunities. Those who want a complete ban on TikTok stress national security and privacy concerns.