Tik, Tik Boom! Is it Time to Count Down to a TikTok Ban in Australia?

By Marie-Antoinette Issa
on 14 January 2025

The clock is ticking for TikTok in the United States, as a looming January 19 deadline could see the app banned unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, divests ownership. This development has sparked heated debates, raised questions about freedom of expression, and left users wondering about the app’s future. With over 170 million American users potentially losing access to the platform, Australians are asking: Could a similar ban happen here?

Why is the USA targeting TikTok?

At the heart of the controversy is national security. The American government has long voiced concerns that TikTok could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government, given ByteDance’s ties to China. In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. While the company has argued against this move, claiming it violates Americans’ First Amendment rights, its legal efforts have so far failed to overturn the legislation.

The U.S. Supreme Court is now TikTok’s last hope. On January 10, the court began hearing arguments on whether the ban infringes on free speech. A decision will determine if TikTok gets a lifeline. Or, becomes inaccessible to new and existing users in the U.S.A.

What happens if the ban is upheld?

If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, TikTok will no longer be available for download in the U.S., and existing users won’t receive app updates. While this won’t immediately disable the app, it will gradually become obsolete, leaving creators and users scrambling for alternatives.

The ban could also have ripple effects beyond TikTok. CapCut, ByteDance’s video-editing app widely used by creators, may also face restrictions. This could reshape the short-form video landscape, forcing influencers to adopt pricier editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.

Could Australia be next?

In Australia, over 8.5 million people use TikTok monthly, making it a significant player in the social media scene. While no immediate plans for a ban are in place, the conversation isn’t new. In early 2024, the Coalition called for Australia to follow the U.S. in banning TikTok over similar security concerns. So far, the government has opted for targeted restrictions, banning TikTok on federal government-owned devices, a stance mirrored by several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.

Historically, Australia has been cautious about widespread bans, preferring to balance privacy concerns with user freedoms. However, if the U.S. ban takes hold, it could set a precedent that reignites calls for stricter measures here.

The broader impact of a TikTok ban

TikTok’s potential ban raises bigger questions about the digital world. What happens when geopolitical tensions collide with technology? For creators and influencers, TikTok has been a launching pad for careers, brands, and even activism. Losing it could disrupt businesses, especially for those who rely on its unique algorithm to reach global audiences.

For the average user, the app’s absence would mean losing a platform that blends entertainment with education and community. Whether it’s beauty hacks, fitness challenges, or niche humor, TikTok has shaped digital culture in ways that are hard to replicate.

Tick, Tock … A waiting game

For now, Australian TikTok users can breathe easy. January 19 won’t bring any sudden bans Down Under. However, the situation in the U.S. is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the tech landscape.

The Supreme Court’s decision will not only determine TikTok’s fate in America but could also influence global perspectives on data security, digital sovereignty, and the role of social media in our lives. As Australia watches from the sidelines, one thing is clear: TikTok’s future, both here and abroad, hangs in the balance.

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