TED Talks Daily The potential US TikTok ban — and what's at stake | Clay Shirky
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Jan 9, 2025 
Clay Shirky, an author and social media theorist, dives into the looming possibility of a TikTok ban in the U.S. He discusses national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership and the complex dynamics of U.S.-China tech relations. Shirky also examines the implications for creators and the broader cultural landscape, questioning the effectiveness of targeting TikTok in addressing surveillance issues. The conversation touches on the potential Supreme Court challenges and the balancing act between freedom of speech and data privacy.
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TikTok Ban Motivation
- The US government's stated reason for banning TikTok is national security, citing data access concerns.
- However, the lack of evidence and similar risks from other apps suggest symbolic importance in US-China relations.
ByteDance's Resistance to Selling
- ByteDance resists selling TikTok partly because its algorithm is valuable, but also due to Chinese government influence.
- The government aims to prevent Chinese entrepreneurs from profiting in foreign currency and maintain control.
Supreme Court Proceedings
- TikTok argues the ban is unconstitutional, but courts typically defer to presidential foreign policy decisions.
- The Supreme Court may delay implementation, changing the situation for the incoming Trump administration.
