The law passed in the U.S. that could lead to the ban of TikTok has generated significant attention and debate.
Questions about the law after the U.S. Senate took a major step toward banning TikTok in the country by approving a bill that requires the app to be sold to a U.S. company.
Here are the answers to your questions:
Who wants to ban TikTok in the U.S. and why?
- Lawmakers from both major U.S. political parties have pushed to pass a law that would ban TikTok unless ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) agrees to sell the app to a non-Chinese-owned company.
- They fear the Chinese government could force ByteDance to hand over data from TikTok’s 170 million users in the U.S.
- TikTok insists it does not provide foreign user data to the Chinese government.
When could a TikTok ban happen, and how would it work?
- The ban will not take effect immediately after President Biden signs the legislation.
- ByteDance has 9 months to sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer, with an additional 3-month grace period before any ban goes into effect.
- The deadline for the sale is likely sometime in 2025.
- If Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, he could attempt to block the ban from being implemented.
- The simplest way to ban the app would be to remove TikTok from app stores like Apple and Google.
What has TikTok said about the legislation, and how have U.S. users responded?
- TikTok has strongly criticized the law, calling it an affront to free speech in the U.S.
- CEO Shou Zi Chew warned that the law would “give more power to a handful of other social media companies” and put thousands of American jobs at risk.
- ByteDance would need approval from Chinese officials to sell TikTok, but Beijing has vowed to oppose such a move.
- Some content creators and U.S. users have also criticized the proposed ban.
- For example, Tiffany Yu, a young disability activist from Los Angeles, said the platform is vital to her work.
TikTok’s algorithm is the engine behind the platform and what has turned this social network into a sensation. It allows users to enjoy a personalized feed highly tailored to their interests. Below, I explain how TikTok’s algorithm works and how it relates to user data collection.
What is TikTok’s algorithm?
TikTok’s algorithm is a proprietary formula that determines which videos are shown to each user. Unlike other social networks, no two TikTok users see the same combination of videos in their “For You” feed (FYP).
How does TikTok’s algorithm work?
The algorithm’s process consists of several interconnected stages:
- Data collection and user profiling: Every action you take on the platform is recorded, including how long you watch a video, whether you like it, share it, or skip it. This data is used to create a unique user profile reflecting your interests and preferences.
- Content analysis and characteristics: The algorithm doesn’t just know you by your actions but also by the content itself. It analyzes video metadata, such as hashtags used, background music, and descriptions. If you interact with videos sharing certain characteristics, the algorithm assumes those traits interest you and uses them to refine recommendations.
- Machine learning and adaptation: The algorithm learns from your past actions to predict future interactions. As you engage with the platform, it adjusts based on the evolution of your viewing preferences.
Data collected by TikTok
TikTok collects information about users’ locations, the devices they use, and keystroke rhythms while typing. Although the app denies collecting more data than other platforms, its highly personalized system relies on this information to deliver relevant content to users.
Image: BBC
