The transition of TikTok to majority US ownership is perceived as beneficial for its Chinese owners but detrimental to American users due to anticipated censorship and manipulation.
The article discusses the implications of TikTok's shift to majority US ownership, asserting that it may not lead to the user-friendly and secure environment that American users hope for. Instead, the author argues that this transition will likely usher in a new era characterized by state control over the platform and corporate manipulation of its users. The author cautions that expectations of enhanced security and freedom on TikTok may be misguided.
The article points out that around 170 million users were prompted to agree to new terms of service and a privacy policy following this ownership change, which many users saw as a signal of impending modifications to their online environment. Reports emerged shortly after indicating that TikTok could be actively censoring political speech and sensitive topics. This, combined with the tense political atmosphere in the United States, has led to a surge of complaints from users alleging that their political views are being suppressed on the platform.
In conclusion, the article serves as a warning to TikTok users in the US about the potential consequences of the app's new ownership structure. Rather than facilitating a platform that encourages freedom of expression, the author fears users may face increased censorship and loss of autonomy over their content. This situation raises broader concerns about the future of online discourse and the influence of corporate interests on social media platforms, particularly in a highly polarized political climate.
