1 Billion Strong: How TikTok Thrives Despite Controversies
TikTok, the popular short-form video platform owned by China’s ByteDance, has experienced significant growth, reaching 1 billion monthly active users worldwide by September 2021.
By 2023, this number increased to 1.5 billion.
Despite its rapid expansion and influence, TikTok has faced numerous controversies, particularly concerning data privacy and national security.
In the United States, the platform has been scrutinized over fears that the Chinese government could access user data or influence content, leading to discussions about potential bans.
In December 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the constitutionality of a law that would effectively ban TikTok unless it divests from its Chinese ownership, with oral arguments scheduled for January 2025.
Internationally, TikTok has encountered challenges as well. In December 2024, Albania announced a one-year ban on the platform, citing concerns over its influence on youth violence following a tragic incident involving teenagers.
Additionally, the European Union suspects that TikTok was used to sway Romania’s presidential election in favor of a far-right candidate, raising further concerns about the platform’s role in political processes.