The UK government has addressed concerns regarding the potential future of TikTok in the wake of the app’s looming ban in the US, scheduled for 19 January. Many social media creators, particularly in the US, have been sharing ‘funeral’ content as they prepare for the potential loss of the app, with some users reflecting on their last moments with TikTok. For those who rely on the platform for daily use or have built careers around creating videos, it’s a significant loss.
While the US prepares for the ban, many in the UK have begun to worry that the same could happen to them. However, the UK government reassured the public, confirming that they have no plans to introduce a TikTok ban. A spokesperson stated, “This is a matter for the US government. There are no plans to introduce a TikTok ban in the UK,” adding that they regularly engage with social media companies to ensure data security and that these companies meet the UK’s high standards for cybersecurity and data protection.
The US ban stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, which set a deadline for TikTok to separate its US operations from its parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese-based firm. The US government views TikTok as a potential national security threat due to concerns over the control ByteDance holds over the platform. Earlier this week, the US Supreme Court upheld the ban, rejecting TikTok’s appeal.
In response, TikTok expressed concerns over the lack of clarity from the Biden administration, stating that without assurance from the US government that the law would not be enforced, they would be forced to “go dark” on 19 January. TikTok’s statement pointed out that service providers crucial to keeping the platform running for its 170 million American users have not received the necessary reassurances. The company made it clear that without a definitive statement from the US government, it would have no choice but to cease operations in the US.
With the US ban hanging over TikTok, many are left wondering about the app’s future in other countries. For now, however, UK TikTok users have been assured that they can continue using the platform without fear of an imminent shutdown.
In summary, while the US faces a major disruption to its TikTok use, UK TikTok users can breathe easy for now. The UK government has made it clear that the ban is not expected to affect them, and for many creators, that’s good news. As TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, one thing is clear: it’s business as usual for the platform across the UK.
Topics: Social Media, TikTok, UK News, US News.
