TikTok in the 2024 Election
In a twist that epitomizes the complexity of modern politics, the most divisive yet highly popular social media platform, TikTok, is shaping up to be a significant factor in the 2024 presidential election. Despite widespread criticisms from both sides of the political aisle, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees, respectively, have long criticized the platform. But as of recently, both have elected to embrace the Chinese-owned app as a crucial tool for reaching voters, especially the younger demographic.
TikTok: From Criticism to Campaign Tool
Both Biden and Trump have previously called for a ban on TikTok, citing concerns over data privacy and national security due to its ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance. However, the irresistible pull of TikTok’s massive and engaged user base has led both campaigns to reverse their positions. Trump, who once attempted to ban the app through an executive order, recently launched his personal account, quickly amassing millions of followers and achieving viral status with just his first post. Similarly, the Biden campaign, after initially steering clear, joined TikTok during the Super Bowl, acknowledging the necessity of engaging voters where they are most active online.
The Power of TikTok in Modern Campaigns
The strategic use of TikTok underscores its unprecedented influence in the 2024 election. With over 150 million active users in the U.S., myself included, TikTok presents an opportunity for candidates to engage with a crucial voter base: young people. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 62% of 18- to 29-year-olds use TikTok, a stark contrast to the mere 10% of those aged 65 and older. This generational gap highlights the platform’s importance for reaching younger voters, who are known to be more independent and less affiliated with traditional political parties.
Data Privacy and National Security Concerns
While the candidates’ embrace of TikTok is pragmatic, it does not alleviate some of the concerns about data privacy. Critics argue that ByteDance’s ownership could allow the Chinese government access to vast amounts of user data, posing significant risks, but have not elaborated on what exactly those risks are. President Biden has signed legislation mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok within a year, failing which the app will face a ban. This legislative move has sparked legal challenges from TikTok influencers who argue that a ban infringes on their First Amendment rights.
Extract Systems and Data Privacy
The debate around TikTok brings to the forefront the broader issue of data privacy. Here at Extract Systems, we are a company specializing in data privacy solutions, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information in the digital age. With technologies that handle critical information like PII and PHI, we understand the critical need for robust data privacy frameworks. As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, the importance of secure data practices becomes even more pronounced, ensuring that user information is protected from potential misuse.
The Bipartisan Battle on TikTok
Despite their criticisms, both campaigns recognize TikTok’s potential to mobilize and engage voters. Biden’s campaign acknowledges that reaching voters in a fragmented media environment requires showing up on platforms like TikTok. Similarly, Trump’s campaign justifies its presence on the app as part of a broader strategy to engage a younger audience. This bipartisan approach to leveraging TikTok underscores its significance as a modern campaign tool – but it muddies the water – if TikTok poses such a security risk, why would the leaders in our country just now join in on the platform?
The Future of TikTok and Its Impact
While TikTok’s role in the 2024 election is clear, its future remains uncertain. Legal and constitutional challenges to a potential ban, coupled with the app’s deep entrenchment in American social and economic life, suggest a complex road ahead. Experts argue that banning TikTok could set a precedent for digital trade barriers, potentially leading to international retaliation and exacerbating political distrust among younger Americans.
TikTok will likely be a make-or-break tool for this 2024 election, a testament to the platform’s pervasive influence despite ongoing controversies. As candidates navigate the platform (and others), the importance of data privacy and secure information practices will remain at the forefront, highlighting the critical role of companies like Extract Systems in safeguarding user data in an increasingly interconnected world.
Source: https://www.tiktok.com/transparency/en-us/protecting-elections/
