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Article Title: "TikTok Is Part Of A Larger Digital Privacy Issue On Social Media"
Author: Peter Suciu

What It Talks About:
The article looks at how TikTok and other social media platforms collect and use people’s personal data. It raises concerns about how much these platforms know about their users and what they do with that information.

Key Points:

TikTok collects a lot of data, but it’s not the only platform doing this most social media apps do the same.

People often don’t know how much of their personal information is being collected or how it’s being used.

There need to be rules or laws to make sure social media companies treat people’s data responsibly and don’t misuse it.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How can social media users understand what data is being collected about them?

What rules or laws should exist to make social media companies handle data more responsibly?

Can social media platforms still make money if they stop collecting so much personal data?

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TikTok Is Part Of A Larger Digital Privacy Issue On Social Media

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President Joe Biden signed a law that will require the Chinese firm to divest from the app or face a ban on U.S. devices and networks. ByteDance has nine months to divest

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Article Title: "TikTok: Recent Data Privacy and National Security Concerns"
Author: Kristen E. Busch
What It Talks About:
The report looks at concerns about TikTok’s data collection and how it could affect national security. It focuses on TikTok’s connection to China and what steps are being taken to address these risks.

Key Points:

Data Concerns: People worry that TikTok collects a lot of data on U.S. users and that the Chinese government could access this information.

Content Control: There’s also fear that TikTok’s algorithms could be used to spread false information or hide certain topics.

Government Actions: The U.S. has banned TikTok on federal devices, and there’s talk of forcing TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

Will TikTok’s plan to store U.S. data in the U.S. ("Project Texas") really keep it safe from foreign governments?

How can we make sure that TikTok’s algorithms aren’t being used to spread harmful content?

What’s the right way to balance national security with letting people use the apps they like?

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Title: "Demystifying TikTok Data Collection"
Author: PIRG

What It Talks About:
The article discusses the types of data TikTok collects from its users, including information on user activity, device details, and location, while also raising concerns about privacy and the extent of data collection.

Key Points:

Data Collection Practices: TikTok tracks user interactions, device information, location, and even user contacts. It also collects data on household income and device value.

Comparison with Other Platforms: TikTok’s data practices are similar to other social media platforms, but some studies suggest TikTok collects less data than Facebook in certain areas.

Privacy Implications: The article highlights potential privacy risks due to TikTok’s extensive data collection, urging users to be aware of the information they share.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How can users control what data TikTok collects about them?

What can be done to make sure social media platforms respect users' privacy?

How does TikTok’s data collection compare to other popular apps like Facebook?

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Bess Pierre Intern, Don’t Sell My Data campaign

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How TikTok data collection works and how it might impact you.

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Title: "TikTok Use and Privacy Risks"
Author: University of Ottawa, Information Technology Services

What It Talks About:
The page explains the risks of using TikTok, focusing on how the app collects and stores user data and the concerns about how this data could be accessed or used.

Key Points:

Data Collection: TikTok gathers lots of information, like your location, device info, and browsing activity.

Privacy Risks: Because TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, there’s concern about the Chinese government possibly accessing this data.

Safety Tips: The University suggests users limit the personal info they share on TikTok and regularly check privacy settings.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How can people protect their data when using social media apps like TikTok?

What rules exist to stop governments from accessing user data through these apps?

Should schools and workplaces restrict access to certain apps for security reasons?

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TikTok is a short-video social media platform especially popular among students. Its following has substantially increased in a relatively short time.

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Title: "What to Know About the TikTok Security Concerns"
Author: Billy Perrigo

What It Talks About:
The article discusses the concerns U.S. lawmakers have about TikTok's connections to China and the potential risks to user data security.

Key Points:

Data Access Concerns: U.S. officials worry that the Chinese government could access American users' data through TikTok, posing national security risks.

Legislative Actions: The Biden Administration has considered banning TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesn't sell its stake to an American company.

Company's Response: TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, testified that the company has never shared U.S. user data with the Chinese government and wouldn't comply with such a request.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How can TikTok ensure the protection of user data from foreign government access?

What measures can the U.S. government take to address these security concerns without banning the app?

How do other countries handle similar concerns with foreign-owned social media platforms?

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What to Know About the TikTok Security Concerns

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TikTok’s CEO was grilled by U.S. lawmakers at a congressional hearing Thursday. Here’s what to know about the debate over the app.

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Title: "What Would Banning TikTok Mean for the US Economy?"
Author: Chicago Booth Review

What It Talks About:
The article looks at what might happen to the U.S. economy if TikTok were banned, focusing on the impacts on innovation, competition, and the tech industry.

Key Points:

Innovation Effects: Banning TikTok might hurt creativity and content sharing in the U.S., though some think other platforms could step up to replace it.

Global Impact: The ban could make foreign companies nervous about investing in the U.S. and create tensions in global trade.

Broader Regulations: Experts suggest creating rules for all social media platforms instead of targeting just TikTok.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

What would happen to U.S. creators and businesses that rely on TikTok for their work?

Could a ban hurt the U.S. reputation as a tech leader?

How can the government balance national security and innovation?

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The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

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Concerns that the social media app TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could pose a threat to the United States' national security-via compromised user data-have intensified as the app has grown more ubiquitous. In January, Senator Josh Hawley (Republican of Missouri) introduced a bill that would ban US devices from downloading TikTok, and two months later, Senators Mark Warner (Democrat of Virginia) and John Thune (Republican of South Dakota) introduced a different bill that would allow the commerce secretary to ban any foreign-owned "information and communications technology products" deemed to be a security threat. What would a nationwide ban on the app mean for innovation and for the rest of the tech industry? To find out, Chicago Booth's Kent A. Clark Center for Global Markets asked its panel of US economic experts to weigh in.

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What Would Banning TikTok Mean for the US Economy?

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Economic experts consider what a nationwide ban on the app would mean for innovation and for the rest of the tech industry.

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Title: "U.S. TikTok 'Ban'—What Are the Economic Implications?"
Author: Oxford Internet Institute

What It Talks About:
The article discusses the potential economic impact of a TikTok ban in the U.S., specifically focusing on the effects on content creators, small businesses, and the wider digital economy.

Key Points:

Impact on Content Creators: A TikTok ban would hurt those who rely on the platform for income, leading to significant revenue losses.

Effect on Small Businesses: Small businesses that use TikTok for marketing could struggle to reach customers, affecting sales and growth.

Broader Economic Effects: The article suggests that a ban could lead to job losses and a decline in GDP contributions from the digital economy sector.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How can small businesses and content creators diversify their platforms to reduce risks from potential bans?

What steps can be taken to make sure social media platforms respect user privacy?

How might a TikTok ban influence the broader tech and digital advertising economy?

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Miss Sara Parker
Analyst, Media Ecosystem Observatory
Political Science graduate with experience in journalism, research, and leadership positions. Interested in the intersection of politics & technology and how social media influences the public sphere.

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OII | U.S. TikTok "ban"-what are the economic implications?

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In a new blog, Professor Vili Lehdonvirta and researcher Sara Parker consider the economic implications of a possible "TikTok ban" in the US.

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Title: "A TikTok Deal May Be Good for US-China Trade"
Author: Reuters

What It Talks About:
The article discusses how a deal involving TikTok could positively influence trade relations between the United States and China.

Key Points:

Potential Tariffs: President Donald Trump suggested that if China doesn't approve the sale of TikTok, the U.S. might impose high tariffs on Chinese goods, possibly up to 100%.

Chinese Government's Stance: China indicated a possible openness to a deal, which is a shift from their earlier position.

Economic Considerations: China is facing economic challenges and hasn't met some previous trade commitments, so reaching a compromise on TikTok could help in future trade discussions.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How might a TikTok deal set the tone for future U.S.-China trade negotiations?

What are the broader implications of using tech companies as leverage in trade discussions?

How can both countries balance national security concerns with economic interests in such deals?

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HONG KONG, Jan 22 (Reuters Breakingviews) - It's becoming clear that everything may be up for negotiation with President Donald Trump. That might not be a bad thing for China. The U.S. leader warned the People's Republic could face tariffs of up to 100% if Beijing does not approve a sale of TikTok, the video app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance. How such a deal would look is unclear, but it would be an easy way for both sides to show goodwill ahead of negotiations on thornier issues like trade.

On Monday, Trump signed an executive order - one of dozens - aiming to delay the Jan. 19 deadline imposed on ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. TikTok is supposed to go offline in the United States, where it boasts 170 million users, after the Supreme Court upheld legislation deeming the popular video app a national security threat. The Republican president further suggested the United States should be "entitled to get half of TikTok" and that he could put tariffs on China if it rejected a deal, which he described would be a "hostile act".

This may sound like the usual Trump bluster. After all, he repeatedly threatened 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods throughout his re-election campaign. Though he did not immediately follow through on his first day, he did say his administration is discussing a 10% punitive duty on the People's Republic as soon as Feb. 1, citing the country's role in the illegal fentanyl trade.

Still, now that the U.S. president has made explicit his involvement in TikTok's fate and linked it to tariffs and trade, the Chinese government will have an incentive to engage. Following Trump's remarks on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which previously stated it would block a forced sale, responded by saying companies can make their own decisions - the first indication that Beijing would be open to a U.S. deal. Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported, opens new tab that Chinese officials were "evaluating a potential option" that involves Elon Musk acquiring TikTok - an option Trump said he was open to. The enterprise could be worth more than $100 billion, Breakingviews calculates.

A compromise on TikTok might pave the way for smoother trade talks. China wields a weaker hand this time around: the economy is sputtering and the country's failure to honour a promise to buy an extra $200 billion of American goods and services in 2020 means Beijing can use some goodwill ahead of negotiations. Besides, President Xi Jinping is more concerned with cultivating national champions in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and semiconductors; ByteDance's addictive apps also go against the Chinese leader's distaste for screen time. A TikTok trade could be good for both sides.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20 seeking to delay for 75 days the ban of video app TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance. The app was slated to be shuttered on Jan. 19 on national security grounds.

Trump said that he "could see" the U.S. government taking a 50% stake in TikTok. He also warned that he could impose tariffs on China, as high as 100%, if Beijing failed to approve a U.S. deal with TikTok.

When asked about the app's restoration and Trump's desire for a deal, China's foreign ministry told a regular news briefing that it believed companies should "decide independently" about their operations and deals.

For more insights like these, click to try Breakingviews for free.

Editing by Antony Currie and Ujjaini Dutta

Breakingviews
Reuters Breakingviews is the world's leading source of agenda-setting financial insight. As the Reuters brand for financial commentary, we dissect the big business and economic stories as they break around the world every day. A global team of about 30 correspondents in New York, London, Hong Kong and other major cities provides expert analysis in real time.

Sign up for a free trial of our full service at https://www.breakingviews.com/trial and follow us on Twitter @Breakingviews and at www.breakingviews.com. All opinions expressed are those of the authors.

Robyn Mak joined Reuters Breakingviews in 2013. Previously, she was a Research Associate for the Global Policy Programs at the Asia Society in New York. She has also worked at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC and interned at several consulting firms, including the Albright Stonebridge Group. She holds a masters degree in international economics and international relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and is a magna cum laude graduate of New York University.

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Breakingviews - A TikTok deal may be good for US-China trade

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It's becoming clear that everything may be up for negotiation with President Donald Trump. That might not be a bad thing for China. The U.S. leader warned the People's Republic could face tariffs of up to 100% if Beijing does not approve a sale of TikTok, the video app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance.

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Title: "If TikTok goes dark, some say they'll lose livelihoods: 'We'd have to completely rebuild'"
Author: Megan Cerullo

What It Talks About:
The article discusses the potential impact of a TikTok ban on small businesses and content creators who rely on the platform for sales and income.

Key Points:

Supreme Court Decision: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app; otherwise, it faces a ban in the U.S.

Impact on Small Businesses: Entrepreneurs like Jessica Simon, founder of Mississippi Candle Company, attribute a significant portion of their sales to TikTok. Simon mentioned that 90% to 98% of her company's sales come from TikTok, and a ban would force her to "completely rebuild" her business model.

Content Creators' Concerns: Many creators who have built their livelihoods on TikTok are worried about losing their primary income source and the community they've established on the platform.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How can small businesses and creators diversify their online presence to mitigate the risks associated with platform-specific bans?

What alternative platforms or strategies can entrepreneurs adopt to maintain their customer base if TikTok becomes unavailable?

How might such a ban influence the broader landscape of social media marketing and e-commerce for small businesses?

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If TikTok goes dark, some say they’ll lose livelihoods: “We’d have to completely rebuild”

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Experts say no other app offers the same financial opportunities as TikTok, while creators fear loss of income if it disappears.

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Title: "TikTok Shop Takeover: The Economics Behind TikTok Shop’s Success"
Author: Michigan Journal of Economics

What It Talks About:
The article discusses how TikTok Shop has influenced consumer behavior, driven economic growth, and supported small businesses through its integration of e-commerce.

Key Points:

Economic Impact: TikTok Shop contributed $24.2 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2023 and created 224,000 jobs.

Support for Small Businesses: In 2023, TikTok helped small businesses earn $14.7 billion in revenue, with nearly 40% of small businesses saying TikTok is crucial for their success.

Consumer Behavior: TikTok’s engaging algorithm makes it an effective platform for influencing purchases, especially among teens who spend an average of two hours daily on the app.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How can other platforms adopt TikTok’s e-commerce model to boost their own sales?

What effects will social commerce have on traditional shopping experiences?

How does TikTok ensure responsible marketing while keeping users engaged?

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TikTok Shop Takeover: The Economics Behind TikTok Shop’s Success – Michigan Journal of Economics

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Title: "Can Trump Stop TikTok Ban? Here's What He Can—and Can't—Do As He Reportedly Mulls Executive Order"
Author: Alison Durkee

What It Talks About:
The article explores the actions President-elect Donald Trump might take to prevent a TikTok ban in the U.S. by using executive orders, along with the potential challenges he would face in doing so.

Key Points:

Executive Authority: Trump may attempt to use executive orders to stop the ban, but his powers in this area have limits.

Legal Challenges: There could be legal challenges if Trump tries to reverse the ban, and courts may intervene.

Political Considerations: The article also discusses how Congress and the public might react to any attempt by Trump to block the ban.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

What are the legal precedents for a president using an executive order to reverse a federal decision like a ban?

How might Congress respond to an executive order against the TikTok ban?

What are the security risks of letting TikTok continue to operate in the U.S.?

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Can Trump Stop TikTok Ban? Here’s What He Can—And Can’t—Do As He Reportedly Mulls Executive Order

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The president-elect is reportedly mulling executive orders that could pause the ban.

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Title: "What We Know About The TikTok Ban"
Author: The New York Times

What It Talks About:
The article provides an overview of TikTok, including its ownership, data privacy concerns, and the app's popularity.

Key Points:

Ownership: TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, which has raised concerns about potential influence from the Chinese government.

Data Privacy: There are worries that TikTok could share user data with the Chinese government, leading to discussions about banning the app in the U.S.

Popularity: Despite these concerns, TikTok remains one of the most popular social media platforms globally, especially among younger users.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How does TikTok handle user data, and what measures are in place to protect privacy?

What are the implications of a potential TikTok ban for users and content creators?

How does TikTok's situation compare to other social media platforms with foreign ownership?

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Title: "Why TikTok Is Facing a U.S. Ban, and What Could Happen Next"
Author: New York Times

What It Talks About:
The article covers the ongoing discussions and legal battles surrounding a potential TikTok ban in the United States, focusing on national security concerns, the company's legal defense, and political influences.

Key Points:

Government Actions: The U.S. has passed a law requiring TikTok to sell its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face restrictions.

Legal Challenges: TikTok is challenging the law in court, claiming it violates free speech rights, and the Supreme Court is considering the case.

Political Dynamics: President-elect Donald Trump, who supported banning TikTok, is now looking for ways to keep the app available in the U.S.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

What will happen to TikTok users and businesses if the app is banned?

How do free speech rights apply to social media platforms in national security cases?

What role does politics play in tech-related legal decisions?

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Title: "US Supreme Court TikTok ban case: MSU experts can comment"
Author: MSUToday

What It Talks About:
The article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s review of a law that could potentially ban TikTok in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Experts from Michigan State University offer their thoughts on the legal implications and possible outcomes.

Key Points:

Legal Perspectives: Experts from MSU provide insights on the case, discussing potential impacts on free speech and technology laws.

National Security Concerns: The government argues TikTok poses a security threat, while TikTok defends itself, claiming it infringes on free speech.

Political Influences: President-elect Donald Trump supports keeping TikTok in the U.S. and suggests delaying the law until after he takes office.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How will the Supreme Court's ruling affect TikTok's future in the U.S.?

What are the consequences for free speech if social media platforms are restricted?

How do political influences shape decisions about technology companies from foreign countries?

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US Supreme Court TikTok ban case: MSU experts can comment

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The Supreme Court appears poised to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the United States. MSU experts are available to comment on how a ban would impact businesses, content creators and social media users.

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Title: "TikTok starts restoring service in the U.S. after shutting down over divest-or-ban law"
Author: Caitlin Yilek

What It Talks About:
The article discusses TikTok's temporary shutdown in the U.S. due to a new law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership, and the subsequent restoration of service following President Trump's intervention.

Key Points:

Temporary Shutdown: TikTok voluntarily ceased its U.S. operations ahead of a deadline set by a law mandating ByteDance to sell its stake or face a ban.

Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law, leading to TikTok's initial shutdown.

Presidential Intervention: President Trump announced plans to issue an executive order delaying the enforcement of the ban, allowing TikTok to resume services in the U.S.

Questions It Made Me Think About:

How will TikTok's ownership structure change to comply with U.S. regulations?

What are the implications of government intervention in private tech companies?

How might this situation affect U.S.-China relations and future tech policies?

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TikTok starts restoring service in the U.S. after shutting down over divest-or-ban law

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President-elect Donald Trump vowed to issue an executive order on Monday to postpone the ban on TikTok from going into effect.