How the TikTok ban works: Why not complying is risky, even if Trump wants to help

The TikTok ban works by prohibiting the app from operating within certain regions due to national security concerns, primarily around the collection and potential misuse of personal data by the Chinese government. The app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been scrutinized for its data practices, with critics arguing that it could be forced to share user data with the Chinese government under China's strict data control laws. This concern has prompted various governments, including the United States, to consider or enact measures that could ban TikTok from app stores or restrict its use by government employees, fearing the app could be used for espionage or influence operations.

In the case of the U.S., former President Donald Trump pursued an executive order to ban TikTok, citing these security concerns. The order was contested in court, and efforts to block TikTok were eventually stalled. However, the issue of TikTok's national security implications did not entirely go away.

Despite the pushback, Trump and others who were critical of TikTok suggested that it could be "sold" to a U.S.-based company, alleviating the national security risks. The push for a sale of TikTok to an American company like Oracle or Walmart was seen as a way to mitigate concerns, while still allowing the app to operate in the U.S. However, such a sale never fully materialized under Trump’s administration, and legal hurdles continued to complicate matters.

Non-compliance with these security concerns, particularly in the context of official government actions or sanctions, can lead to significant risks. These risks include potential fines or restrictions for businesses operating the app, regulatory scrutiny, or even legal consequences for users and corporations involved in violating the ban.

Even though Trump sought to help by offering a solution through an acquisition by U.S. companies, the issue remains contentious. The challenges lie in balancing national security with the operational reality of global internet platforms and the complexity of regulating digital spaces that often span across borders.