Why Is TikTok Getting Banned? Is There Any Security Concerns?

Let’s talk about TikTok—the app that’s practically taken over the world. If you’ve somehow missed it, TikTok is where trends are born, where people get creative, and where you can spend hours scrolling without realizing it. It’s fun, it’s addictive, and it’s global.

But TikTok is also under fire, with bans popping up or being considered in several countries.

The question is: Is TikTok safe, or is it putting your data and security at risk? In this blog, we’ll explore the security concerns that have led to bans and investigations and unpack what’s going on.

The Main Reason: Security And Data Privacy Concerns

The big headline when it comes to banning TikTok is data privacy. Critics argue that TikTok because it’s owned by ByteDance (Chinese ownership), could potentially share user data with the Chinese government. It’s not just random speculation either—China has strict laws requiring companies to hand over data if the government demands it.

Here’s what TikTok collects from you:

• Your name, age, and email address.

• Your location.

• Your device information, like what kind of phone you’re using.

• Your browsing history (yes, even outside the app).

That’s a lot of data! While most apps collect similar information, TikTok’s Chinese ownership raises red flags for some governments.

Real-World Actions: Who’s Banned TikTok and Why?

Several countries have either fully banned TikTok or restricted its use on government devices. Here are some notable examples:

Full Bans:

• India: Banned in 2020 due to national security concerns following a border clash with China.

• Bangladesh: Banned in 2022 due to concerns about the spread of "immoral content."

• Pakistan: Experienced intermittent bans due to similar concerns about inappropriate content.

• Kyrgyzstan: Banned in 2023 due to concerns about the app's impact on children's mental health.

• Uzbekistan: Banned in 2021 due to data privacy concerns.

• Iran: Banned along with other major social media platforms.

• Afghanistan: Banned by the Taliban in 2022.

Restrictions on Government Devices:

• United States: Many government agencies have banned TikTok on government-issued devices.

• Canada: Similar bans are in place for government employees.

• European Union: Several EU countries, including Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands, have restricted TikTok on government devices.

• United Kingdom: Government employees are prohibited from using TikTok on work phones.

• Australia: Similar restrictions apply to government devices.

Reason Behind Ban

1. United States:

• Main Reason: National security concerns regarding data access by the Chinese government.

• Court Decisions: In 2024, the U.S. Congress passed a law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations, citing national security threats. TikTok challenged this law, arguing it infringed on First Amendment rights. As of January 2025, the Supreme Court appears inclined to uphold the law, with a decision expected soon.

  New York Post

2. India:

• Main Reason: Concerns over data security and privacy, along with geopolitical tensions.

• Court Decisions: In June 2020, following border clashes with China, India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps, citing threats to sovereignty and integrity. The ban was implemented through an interim order by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. TikTok’s appeals to lift the ban were unsuccessful.

3. Pakistan:

• Main Reason: Concerns over immoral and indecent content.

• Court Decisions: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed and lifted bans on TikTok multiple times. Bans were implemented for failing to filter out inappropriate content, with some lifted after TikTok assured moderation efforts.

  Wikipedia

4. Indonesia:

• Main Reason: Content promoting pornography, blasphemy, and inappropriate behavior.

• Court Decisions: In July 2018, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology temporarily banned TikTok, citing content violations. The ban was lifted after TikTok agreed to comply with local regulations.

5. Bangladesh:

• Main Reason: Concerns over inappropriate content and its impact on youth.

• Court Decisions: In February 2019, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) banned TikTok and other apps to curb obscenity and protect children. The ban was enforced as part of broader regulatory measures.

Each country’s decision to ban TikTok reflects specific national concerns ranging from data security and geopolitical tensions to cultural and moral considerations. Legal proceedings and regulatory actions have varied, with some bans being temporary and others remaining in effect.

The China Connection: Why Does It Matter?

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a company headquartered in Beijing. Here’s where it gets tricky: under Chinese law, companies are required to cooperate with government intelligence requests. This has sparked fears that TikTok data could be handed over to the Chinese government, either voluntarily or under legal pressure.

Critics worry that this data could be used for:

• Surveillance: Tracking individuals, especially government officials, journalists, or activists.

• Espionage: Using data to understand patterns, locations, and potential vulnerabilities in other nations.

• Manipulation: Exploiting TikTok’s powerful algorithm to influence public opinion or sow discord.

Even if TikTok says it hasn’t handed over data, skeptics argue that the possibility alone is a major red flag.

What Are the Specific Security Risks?

1. Access to Sensitive Data

TikTok collects a wide range of data, but critics argue that its access could be used maliciously if shared with the Chinese government. For example, location data could reveal the movements of key individuals, while metadata from videos could provide more context about a person’s environment.

2. Algorithmic Influence

TikTok’s algorithm is its superpower—it’s designed to keep you hooked by serving up content you’ll love. But this algorithm could theoretically be weaponized to push certain narratives or suppress others. Imagine an app that subtly amplifies political misinformation or stirs division during an election—scary, right?

3. Infiltration of Official Devices

Governments are particularly worried about TikTok being used on official devices. If a government employee has TikTok on their phone, the app could potentially serve as a backdoor for hackers or foreign intelligence services to access sensitive data.

4. Spyware Allegations

Some analysts have likened TikTok’s behavior to spyware. While there’s no conclusive proof, studies have flagged TikTok’s aggressive data collection and raised questions about how that data is stored and shared.

TikTok’s Defense: What Does the Company Say?

TikTok has repeatedly denied allegations of being a security threat. Here’s how the company has responded:

• Project Texas: TikTok has committed $1.5 billion to a project that stores all U.S. user data on American servers, managed by Oracle. This aims to create a “firewall” between TikTok and ByteDance.

• Transparency Centers: TikTok has set up centers where regulators can review its code and policies.

• Independent Audits: The company has invited third-party audits to verify its practices.

While these efforts are steps in the right direction, they haven’t been enough to fully reassure critics.

Are the Concerns Justified?

Here’s the thing: while TikTok hasn’t been proven to misuse data, the concerns aren’t entirely unfounded. The sheer amount of data TikTok collects and its Chinese ownership make it a unique case.

That said, it’s worth asking:

• Why single out TikTok? Facebook, Google, and other tech giants also collect vast amounts of data. Are they being held to the same standard?

• What’s the bigger agenda? Some argue that TikTok’s bans are as much about politics as they are about security, particularly given the tense relationship between China and the West.

Finally: Should You Be Worried About TikTok?

If you’re a regular user, TikTok probably feels harmless. And for most people, it likely is. But the concerns around data privacy and national security show how apps we use for fun can have far-reaching implications.

The TikTok controversy also serves as a wake-up call about the broader issue of data privacy. How much do we know about where our data goes? Whether it’s TikTok, Facebook, or any other platform, it’s worth asking questions about how our information is being used—and who might have access to it.

So, should TikTok be banned? That’s up for debate. But one thing is clear: when it comes to security, trust is everything, and TikTok still has a lot to prove.