The move for US lawmakers to ban TikTok is the music discovery platform's latest set back
TikTok, a social media and music discovery app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced several challenges and controversies in the United States. One of the most recent developments is the ban of the app in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a formal notice sent to lawmakers and their staff by the chief administrative officer.
The ban came after Congress passed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act as part of a spending bill, and as some White House officials reportedly advocate for the forced sale of TikTok's U.S. operations.
The notice stated that the Office of Cybersecurity had determined the TikTok app to be a high risk to users due to security concerns and prohibited staff from downloading the app on any House mobile devices. Those who have already begun using the service on House mobile devices will be contacted to remove it. The notice also cited the effects of the No TikTok on Government Devices Act in relation to the ban.
TikTok in the Music Industry
TikTok has significantly impacted the music industry, particularly in terms of how music is discovered and promoted. The app allows users to create and share short videos set to music, which has led to the rise of viral challenges and trends often involving popular songs. As a result, TikTok has become an essential platform for artists and labels to promote new music and connect with their audiences.
Will TikTok be Banned in the USA?
The ban of TikTok in the U.S. House of Representatives raises significant questions about the app's future in the United States. Some have suggested that a broad-scale order prohibiting the use of TikTok in the U.S. altogether could be implemented, given the app's alleged national security risks and the controversy surrounding its data practices. The app has faced scrutiny from various states over data concerns, and the company has admitted that employees improperly accessed user data. Additionally, TikTok recently offered transparency into its recommendation algorithms to address concerns about the platform.
Uncertainty of TikTok's Streaming Ambitions
These ongoing issues may affect TikTok's reported plans to expand into streaming. The company made several music-focused expansion initiatives earlier in 2022, but it is still being determined how the ongoing controversies will impact these plans.
Ultimately, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains to be determined, and it remains to be seen whether the app will be subject to further restrictions or bans in the country.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop with all things Crypto Music News.