In recent years, growing concerns about the security of personal data and user profiling have led governments worldwide to take restrictive measures against digital platforms. Among these, TikTok has been at the center of a global controversy, culminating in its ban in the United States. While the US has taken a firm stance citing national security reasons, the European Union is developing more structured regulatory strategies to limit not only TikTok but also other social media platforms.
The TikTok Ban in the United States: Reasons and Implications
The US government justified its decision to ban TikTok due to the risk of sensitive data leaks and the potential use of the platform as a surveillance tool by China. TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been accused of collecting excessive amounts of user data, including location information, browsing history, unique device identifiers, and behavioral patterns.
The primary concern is that this data could be transmitted to the Chinese government in compliance with China's national security law, which requires companies to cooperate with authorities upon request. Although ByteDance has repeatedly denied sharing data with the Chinese government, US authorities consider the risk too high to ignore.
The US decision to ban TikTok was supported by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which requested that ByteDance divest ownership of the app to allow it to remain in the American market. The failure to comply with this request led to the implementation of strict restrictions, including sanctions for those facilitating its use.
Data Leaks and Profiling: The Core Issue
The issue of data security is not exclusive to TikTok but extends to all social platforms. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube collect vast amounts of personal information to enhance user profiling and optimize targeted advertising. However, in TikTok's case, the primary concern is the lack of transparency regarding data management and the potential access by a foreign government.
The information collected by social platforms enables the creation of detailed user profiles, including consumption habits, political orientations, and personal preferences. This raises two main concerns:
- National security: The possibility that sensitive data could fall into the hands of foreign actors with hostile geopolitical intentions.
- Privacy and individual rights: The lack of effective user control over how their personal data is used.
Additionally, TikTok’s content recommendation system, based on advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, could be used to manipulate public opinion or spread disinformation in a targeted manner.
Europe’s Response: Regulations and Stringent Controls
Unlike the United States, the European Union has not opted for a direct ban but is adopting a more regulated approach to ensure the protection of user data. The measures taken are primarily based on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Services Act (DSA).
- GDPR: This regulation requires companies to comply with strict rules on personal data management, mandating transparency, explicit consent, and the ability for users to request data deletion.
- DSA: Imposes obligations on major digital platforms regarding content moderation, algorithm transparency, and data protection.
Beyond these legislative tools, the EU is considering further restrictions on TikTok, including investigations into the platform’s compliance with European regulations. Some member states, including France and Germany, have already taken precautionary measures by banning TikTok from government devices.
Towards Greater Social Media Oversight
The actions taken against TikTok in the US and the regulations in Europe signal a shift in how governments approach digital security issues. However, TikTok is not the only platform under scrutiny. Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google (YouTube), and other platforms are also facing increasing regulatory pressures to improve transparency and data protection.
In the future, it is likely that global governments will adopt increasingly stringent regulations to curb the power of major digital platforms and ensure greater control over users’ personal data. While the US has taken a drastic approach with TikTok's ban, the European Union stands out for a more structured strategy aimed at enforcing compliance without resorting to extreme measures.
Conclusion
The ban on TikTok in the United States is a clear indication of the growing focus on data security and user profiling. Concerns extend beyond the Chinese platform to the entire social media ecosystem, which has long exploited personal data for commercial and potentially geopolitical purposes.
The European Union, through the GDPR and DSA, is striving to balance innovation and data protection, avoiding outright bans while enforcing stringent regulations. The future of digital privacy will depend on governments’ ability to implement effective rules without stifling technological innovation, ensuring the safe and transparent use of digital platforms globally.