The Chinese origin app, TikTok secured its spot for the most downloaded app in a survey conducted in 2020. It has overtaken other apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter. In a January 2021 report, it was shared that TikTok had the most screen time compared to any other app.
In the tech world, app positions not only show the audience preference but also indicate that the company’s shares are likely to soar. Online networking is an integral part of Generation Z’s daily life. Short video apps like TikTok and Snack video have gained much prominence especially in parts of Asia.
The problem, however, with TikTok becoming a top app is related to its data privacy. Many asserted that personal information disclosed on TikTok is not safe. In 2020, former President Donald Trump demanded that the company sell off its operations in the U.S. otherwise it would be banned.
Read more: SHC orders ban on TikTok till 8th July in Pakistan
Despite a strong retaliation from the government, the app’s popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic. Although President Biden has halted this executive order, the American officials remain skeptical with TikTok’s usage. Nikkei Asia’s interviewed a manager at App Anie, who said that “The total viewing time for TikTok in the U.S. and U.K. is longer than that for YouTube, and short videos will continue to attract attention.”
TikTok bans have been common talk with different justifications coming from governments. India banned TikTok for its political tussle with China and Pakistan has been banning-unbanning the app mostly in the context of “ inappropriate content.”
Mr. Prime Minister, Thank you for sharing this TikTok video. While TikTok is ban in Pakistan. What to learn? https://t.co/FVWtnz6OAX
— Waseem Ahmad (@MrWaseemAhmad) August 8, 2021
Though civil society activists campaigned against these bans as the app is a source of income for the underprivileged class. Court proceedings are still active in Pakistan. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday demanded proper justification from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for imposing a ban on TikTok.
Chief Justice Athar Minallah added that “if banning TikTok is the only solution, then Google should also be banned. This is the 21st century and people’s livelihoods are attached to social media applications.”
Read more: Pakistan’s President joins TikTok to spread positivity
Despite receiving a crackdown from governments, TikTok has maintained its position at the top, with other Chinese apps like WeChat and Douyin likely to follow its lead.