Special Edition: Sell or Be Banned – TikTok Ultimatum
Apr 27, 2024
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Makena Kelly discusses the TikTok ultimatum, potential buyers, antitrust concerns, foreign ownership challenges, security risks, and data privacy concerns. The podcast delves into the legislative process, geopolitical implications, and Oracle's role in safeguarding TikTok data amidst uncertainty.
TikTok must find an American buyer within 9 months or risk a ban, potentially leading to a new version without its algorithm.
Legal challenges and concerns over data privacy, free speech, and national security complicate the TikTok ban decision.
Deep dives
Possible Sale of TikTok to Avoid Ban
TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, has about nine months to find a new owner, preferably an American entity, or face a ban as per the newly passed law. Companies like Microsoft have shown interest, considering TikTok's considerable value. ByteDance could sell TikTok without its algorithm, potentially leading to the creation of a new version.
Legal Challenges and Potential Ban Implications
Legal challenges may prolong the ban process, with previous instances showing delays due to lack of evidence. If a ban were to happen, users would need to switch to alternative platforms, and the enforcement mechanism, possibly involving regulatory bodies like the FCC, remains a subject of discussion.
Security Concerns and First Amendment Arguments
Lawmakers and security agencies cite data privacy risks posed by China through TikTok. On the other hand, TikTok argues the ban encroaches on free speech, prompting concerns over potential foreign influence similar to past election interference. The debate hinges on balancing national security with individual freedoms.
The countdown has started for the owner of one of the most popular social media apps in America – TikTok – to either sell its stake or be banned in the U.S. To help explain how we got here and what might happen next, I’m joined today by a journalist who has been following the TikTok saga closely.
Makena Kelly is a senior writer at WIRED, where she covers the intersection of politics, power and technology. She is also the author of the WIRED Politics Lab newsletter and a frequent guest on the WIRED Politics Lab podcast.