In recent months, the debate surrounding the potential ban of TikTok in the United States has intensified, capturing the attention of millions. The House of Representatives recently passed a bill with overwhelming bipartisan support that mandates TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either sell the app to a U.S. entity or face a nationwide ban.
The potential exposure of sensitive information during app download has prompted several nations to prohibit its use on government devices. These are the countries that have banned TikTok either partially or completely.
Countries Where TikTok Is Banned
Australia
Concerned about potential security risks, Australia’s federal authorities banned TikTok on April 4, 2024.
“The “extensive collecting of user data and exposure to extrajudicial directives from a foreign government clashes with Australian law” are the reasons why TikTok poses security and privacy issues, according to a notification issued by the Attorney General’s Department.
According to Attorney General Mark Dreyfus’s statement, the prohibition will be implemented “as soon as practicable” after receiving advice from intelligence and security services.
United Kingdom
The UK’s Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office, Oliver Dowden, made the announcement to the UK’s House of Commons on March 16th, 2024 stating that the app would be immediately banned on government official devices.
In his statement to MPs, the minister acknowledged that the government’s use of TikTok is limited, but he emphasised that it is also good cyber hygiene.
The National Cyber Security Centre of the United Kingdom concluded that “there could be a risk around how sensitive government data is accessed and used by certain platforms,” leading to the ban.
India
Over privacy and security concerns, India banned TikTok and hundreds of other Chinese apps in 2020, including the messaging service WeChat. In January 2021, the ban was made permanent after giving the corporations an opportunity to reply to queries over privacy and security requirements.
The Indian government cited concerns over data security and the potential misuse of Indian users’ data by the Chinese government. The official order described the ban as a measure to protect the “data security and safeguarding the privacy” of Indian citizens from “elements hostile to national security and defense of India”.
The ban was also framed within the broader context of maintaining the “safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.” This rationale was used to justify not only the ban on TikTok but also on 58 other Chinese apps initially, with the list expanding to over 500 apps over time.
Taiwan
After the FBI issued a national security threat assessment regarding TikTok in December 2022, Taiwan banned the app in the public sector.
Apps developed in China, such as TikTok, Douyin, or Xiaohongshu, which are popular in China for lifestyle content, are not permitted to be used on government-issued devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
United States
In a resounding vote on March 13, 2024 the House of Representatives mandated that the parent firm of TikTok, which is based in Beijing, either withdraw from the platform or risk a nationwide ban.
U.S President Joe Biden signed the proposed TikTok sell-off bill into law, giving the platform 270 days to find a U.S.-based buyer or remain banned.
The Senate had earlier opposed the measure on the grounds that it violated free speech, but on April 24 they finally passed it.
In response to data security concerns, over half of the 50 US states have already banned TikTok on government equipment. The US government had given agencies until the end of March to remove the app from governmental devices and networks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Federal Communications Commission have issued warnings over ByteDance’s potential sharing of user data from TikTok with the totalitarian government of China. Another issue that has been raised is the potential negative impact of TikTok on the mental health of youngsters.
Canada
Following the US’s lead, Canada bans TikTok on all government-issued devices; the country cites the app as posing an “unacceptable” threat to national security and privacy. The ban was announced on February 28, 2024.
Additionally, in the future, employees will not be able to download the application. There may or may not be additional action, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement at the time.
“I suspect that as the government takes the significant step of telling all federal employees that they can no longer use TikTok on their work phones many Canadians from business to private individuals will reflect on the security of their own data and perhaps make choices,” added Trudeau.
France
The French government outlawed the use of “recreational” apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Netflix on the work phones of 2.5 million government employees on March 24, 2024.
A “binding” instruction announced the ban, which went into force without delay and does not affect state employees’ personal phones. The French government is taking the lead in a global push to block access to Netflix and other “recreational” apps on official government devices.
Netherlands
For security reasons, the Dutch government-issued phones cannot run any applications developed in “countries with an aggressive cyber-programme targeted at the Netherlands or Dutch interests,” according to the Dutch Interior Ministry.
While the directive did not specifically mention TikTok, it was in response to an evaluation by the national intelligence agency AIVD that had previously warned of “a heightened risk of espionage” associated with applications developed in nations including Iran, Russia, North Korea, and China.
The government’s long-term goal is to have all government employees’ work phones set up to restrict access to pre-approved apps, software, and capabilities.
Belgium
Due to concerns over cybersecurity, privacy, and misinformation, the Belgian federal government declared on March 10, 2024 that it would be banning TikTok from devices owned or funded by the government for a minimum of six months.
Prime Minister Alexander de Croo stated that the app had been banned due to concerns raised by the state security service and its cybersecurity centre. These centres had warned that the app had the ability to collect user data and alter algorithms in order to manipulate the content and news feeds.
After Belgium’s announcement, TikTok expressed its disappointment with the suspension and stated that it was “readily available to meet with officials to address any concerns and set the record straight on misconceptions.” The firm added that the suspension was based on basic misinformation about TikTok.
Developing Your Own TikTok Clone in Light of the Ban
Developing a TikTok clone could be a strategic move to capitalise on the displaced user base and the demand for similar content.
High User Demand: TikTok has more than 150 million active users in the U.S. alone. A ban would leave a significant number of users searching for an alternative platform to continue engaging with short-form video content.
Established Market for Short-Form Content: The rapid growth of TikTok has demonstrated a strong market demand for short-form video content. Users appreciate the quick, engaging format that fits their fast-paced lifestyles, making it a lucrative market for new entrants.
Opportunity for Creators: TikTok has been particularly beneficial for small businesses and individual creators, offering a cost-effective marketing platform with high engagement rates. A ban would drive these users to seek new platforms that offer similar benefits, providing an opportunity for a new app to capture this market.
Benefits for Entrepreneurs
Early Market Entry: Entering the market early with a TikTok clone allows entrepreneurs to capture significant share of users looking for an alternative platform. This early adoption can establish the new app as a credible competitor in the short-form video space.
Customization and Differentiation: By developing their own platform, entrepreneurs can customise features and differentiate their app to better meet the needs and preferences of their target audience. This could include enhanced privacy controls, unique content creation tools, or specialised community features.
Revenue Generation: A successful TikTok clone can generate multiple revenue streams, including advertising, in-app purchases, and premium subscriptions. Additionally, partnerships with brands and businesses can provide further monetization opportunities.
Building a Loyal User Base: Creating a platform that prioritises user experience and addresses the concerns that led to TikTok’s ban (such as data privacy) can help build a loyal and engaged user base. Transparent policies and robust security features will be key differentiators.
Conclusion
The potential ban on TikTok presents a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs to step into the short-form video content market. By developing a TikTok clone, you can capture a vast audience in search of new platforms, offer innovative features tailored to user needs, and establish a profitable business in a thriving industry. Prioritising robust privacy and security measures will not only attract users but also build a loyal and engaged community.
If you are ready to seize this opportunity and launch your own short video sharing app, Appscrip offers comprehensive development solutions tailored to your needs. Our expert team will guide you through the process, from concept to deployment, ensuring your app stands out in a competitive market.
Contact Appscrip today to start building the next big thing in short-form video content!
