The fate of the wildly popular Chinese app TikTok hangs in the balance in the United States, where a congressional measure targeting the video-sharing platform has secured approval and awaits President Biden’s signature. As America contemplates a potential ban, it looks to India’s past action as a guiding example.
In India, TikTok met its demise nearly four years ago amidst heightened tensions with China following a deadly border clash. The move to ban the app, alongside several other Chinese applications, was swift and decisive, rooted in concerns over privacy and national security.
The ban in India, enacted in June 2020, followed a fatal skirmish in the Karakoram mountains that claimed the lives of twenty Indian and four Chinese soldiers, straining relations between the two nations. “There was a clamor leading up to this,” noted Nikhil Pahwa, a digital policy expert, highlighting the public sentiment against Chinese entities amid the military standoff.
For India, the ban marked not just a political statement but also a seismic shift in the digital landscape. With over 200 million users, TikTok had become deeply ingrained in Indian society. However, the void left by its departure paved the way for domestic and international alternatives like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, which swiftly gained traction.
The ban also prompted introspection among users and content creators. Winnie Sangma, once a prolific TikTok creator, transitioned to Instagram, reflecting on the shift: “I have built up followers on Instagram too, and I am making money from it, but the experience isn’t like how it used to be on TikTok.” Others like Rajib Dutta echoed similar sentiments, indicating a relatively smooth transition to alternative platforms.
Now, as the United States contemplates a similar ban, parallels and distinctions emerge. While India’s ban was swift and definitive, the U.S. legislation offers ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, a grace period to divest its operations. Yet, navigating America’s legal and constitutional framework poses unique challenges.
“In India, TikTok decided not to go to court, but the U.S. is a bigger revenue market for them,” observed Pahwa, noting the complexities surrounding free speech rights and legal recourse in America.
Moreover, the global proliferation of Chinese apps prompts broader questions of national security and sovereignty. Pahwa emphasizes the need for democratic nations to reassess their reliance on Chinese technology, citing concerns over potential exploitation by Chinese intelligence agencies.
As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance on the global stage, the experiences of India and other nations serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the complex interplay between technology, geopolitics, and national security.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
