By Aneet Kaur
Imagine waking up one morning to find TikTok gone. No more dances, memes, study hacks or entertainment. For students, the app is more than a time-passer – it’s a creative outlet and a platform where trends are born. But with recent developments in the US and other countries, TikTok’s future has become uncertain.
What’s Happening With TikTok?
TikTok recently went offline in the United States after a law banning the app was enforced. The US government took this step over concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could share users’ data with the Chinese government. To prevent this, they demanded that ByteDance would sell TikTok to an approved US company by January 19 – a deadline that wasn’t met.
As a result, 170 million US users have been left without access to the app, including many content creators who depend on TikTok for their livelihood. The platform has been removed from US app stores, and its website is no longer displaying videos. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has assured users that the company is working on a solution to restore access.
Notably, newly elected President Donald Trump had previously paused the TikTok ban under certain conditions, signaling the possibility of negotiations for a sale. However, with the recent deadline passing without an agreement, TikTok’s future in the US remains in limbo.
What’s The UK’s Stance?
In contrast to the US, the UK government has no immediate plans to ban TikTok. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, recently said, “We won’t be following the same path as the Americans unless or until there is a threat that we are concerned about in the British interest.” For now, TikTok remains available for UK users, and there’s no indication that a ban is being considered.
The UK has already restricted TikTok on government devices due to national security concerns. However, this measure hasn’t been extended to the general public. Unless new evidence emerges showing that TikTok poses a direct threat to UK security, students can continue enjoying the platform without worry.
Impact On Content Creators And Businesses
For students, TikTok isn’t just fun – it’s a launchpad for ideas and income. The platform is home to over 7 million business accounts, ranging from small creators sharing recipes, to influencers with millions of followers. If TikTok were banned in the UK, these creators could face huge setbacks. Many rely on TikTok to sell products, promote their services or build their personal brands.
Educational content could also take a hit. From revision tips to language-learning videos, TikTok has become a valuable resource for students. Losing access to this content would make it harder to find quick, relatable ways to learn.
What About National Security?
Governments argue that TikTok’s risks go beyond fun and business. The app has faced criticism for how it collects and stores user data. Some fear this data could be accessed by foreign powers, potentially putting national security at risk. In India, TikTok was banned in 2020, with the government stating that it threatened the country’s “sovereignty and security”, according to the BBC.
However, for now the UK is not taking similar action. Darren Jones emphasised that any decision to ban the app would only come if a specific and significant threat to British interests arose.
Should UK Students Worry?
UK students don’t need to panic. TikTok remains freely available, and the government hasn’t indicated any plans to follow the US’s lead. However, the situation highlights the growing tension between technology, national security and personal freedom.
If TikTok were to be banned, students would need to explore alternative platforms like Instagram or YouTube for entertainment, education and connection. Nonetheless, losing TikTok would still be a big blow, especially for those who’ve built their lives and livelihoods around the app.
The Bigger Picture
The debate around TikTok isn’t just about one app – it’s about the future of how we use technology and how governments balance safety with freedom. For students, it’s a reminder to stay informed about the platforms we rely on and the policies that could change how we connect with the world.