Ban on TikTok in the US will not address the issues stemming from Big Tech’s intrusive surveillance.

In response to the US government’s announcement of a nationwide ban on TikTok if its parent company ByteDance doesn’t sell its US operations within 270 days, Lauren Armistead, Deputy Director at Amnesty Tech, stated:

“The decision by the US government to enforce a complete ban on TikTok fails to effectively address the systemic human rights risks and harms inherent in the surveillance-driven business models of other tech giants like Meta and Google. Additionally, banning TikTok disproportionately infringes upon people’s right to freedom of expression, which encompasses the freedom to seek, receive, and share information.”

Despite the ban on TikTok, US lawmakers have effectively given Meta and Google a pass, permitting them to continue harvesting our data and infringing upon our privacy rights. Instead of resorting to arbitrary bans, US authorities should tackle the root issues of surveillance-based business models by implementing regulations that govern all tech platforms, thereby truly safeguarding our human rights in the digital era.

“The perils of mass data collection and social media algorithms, such as the amplification of hate speech on Meta platforms and the detrimental impact of harmful content on the mental well-being of young individuals, are widely recognized. The most effective approach to ensure the safety of these platforms is through substantial regulation of the Big Tech sector by states. That’s why Amnesty International advocates for a ban on targeted advertising and specifically calls on TikTok to cease default hyperpersonalization of its ‘For You’ feed.