TikTok Ban: What Happens If the Supreme Court Upholds It?

The Supreme Court is deliberating a potential nationwide ban on TikTok, a move stemming from the US government's security concern over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The ban is set to take effect January 19, 2025. With 170 million US users and thousands of creators, this decision has far-reaching implications not just for TikTok itself but for what this means regarding speech on the internet and how users might adapt to law and to change platforms.

Here's what the ruling could mean for TikTok users and the broader social media landscape:

Immediate Effects of the TikTok Ban

No More App Store Downloads:

Under the ban, Apple's App Store and Google Play would be prohibited from distributing TikTok. This means no new downloads for users and no updates for existing installations, leading to gradual degradation of app performance and security.

No App Maintenance by Hosting Services:

Bytedance will not be allowed to update the app for any reason, including security flaws. Internet hosting companies, including TikTok's US cloud provider Oracle, would be barred from helping distribute or maintain TikTok. This could disrupt the app's backend operations, resulting in slowdowns or even outages for US users.

ISP-Level Blocks:

The government could mandate internet service providers (ISPs) to block TikTok's servers. This would render the app completely inaccessible unless users find workarounds like VPNs.

What's Likely to Happen?

While the mechanics of the ban primarily target app stores, hosting companies, and ISPs—not individual users—this enforcement strategy leaves some potential loopholes:

Existing Users Hanging On:

People with TikTok installed may continue using it for some time. However, the lack of updates will eventually cause performance issues, and users could face app incompatibilities with newer devices or operating systems.

Sideloading for New Users:

Android users may bypass app store restrictions by sideloading TikTok, a process of manually installing apps from unofficial sources. While sideloading is legal, it comes with security risks. A desperate market of TikTokers looking for a working APK to install is fertile ground for scammers, and the USA will offer you no protection. I promise you, the Malware guys are salivating right now.

VPNs as a Workaround:

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) could allow users to bypass ISP-level restrictions by routing their internet traffic through servers in countries where TikTok remains accessible. VPNs aren't illegal in the U.S., but using them to sidestep government restrictions could fall into a legal gray area.

Shifting to Alternatives:

Users, cranky or not, will migrate to other short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or emerging apps with similar functionalities.

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Will it be Illegal for Users to Access TikTok?

No, the proposed ban does not criminalize individual users for having or accessing TikTok. Instead, the enforcement focuses on companies and platforms that distribute or maintain the app. Civil penalties could be imposed on app stores, hosting companies, or other entities that violate the ban. This means users who already have TikTok installed on their devices won't face legal consequences for continued use, although the app may degrade over time due to lack of updates. It is possible that the USA could criminalize TikTok access in the future - but it is very unlikely

What Users Can Do?

The fight is over. Calling a Congress persona at this point wonthelp. If you're concerned about a potential TikTok ban, here are a few proactive steps you can take:

Backup Your Data:

Save your favorite TikTok videos and profile data using the app's export feature to avoid losing them.

Explore Alternatives:

Check out platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or newer apps that could fill the void. Many of your favorite changes have probably migrated to one of these alternates by now. Start searching for names you follow now - while you still have access.

Consider Workarounds Carefully:

Sideloading and VPNs might offer temporary solutions but come with risks, including exposure to malware or slower performance.

Stay Informed:

Keep an eye on news and legal updates to understand how the ban might evolve.

Geeks Verdict

A TikTok ban will reshape the US social media landscape, sending those 170 million TikTok users to one of the existing USA markets, but it's unlikely to silence the platform's diehard fans overnight.

The ban's effects will unfold gradually. Over time, the lack of updates and potential disruptions to hosting services may render TikTok increasingly unusable for US users.
However, internet users' ingenuity will mean they will explore ways to access the platform, whether through sideloading, VPNs, or switching to competing apps. The combination of degraded performance, potential server blocks, malware, and legal constraints on companies will eventually make TikTok's US presence unsustainable and likely short-lived, making looking for alternatives your best choice.

Got tips or thoughts on how you'd adapt to a TikTok ban? Do you care? Drop them in the comments below!
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