TikTok, the popular short-form video platform, is facing a potential ban in the United States. As this possibility looms over TikTok users in the US, it is essential to know how they can continue to use their favorite app when the time comes.
(Photo : STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Why TikTok Is Facing a Ban in the US
The TikTok ban in the United States stems from the "Protecting Americans' Data From Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024," signed by President Biden, which was passed as part of a larger legislative package that provided emergency aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
This act also requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a national ban. One of the reasons for this legislation is to protect American data from being sold to foreign threats.
How the US TikTok Ban Has Now Become Inevitable
Despite legislative pressure, ByteDance has adamantly refused to sell TikTok or divest, with the platform leaning more towards shutting down its operations in the country.
However, TikTok has vowed to challenge the ban in court, claiming that such a move would not only disrupt the lives of millions of users. "Make no mistake, this is a ban, a ban of TikTok and a ban on you and your voice," TikTok CEO Shou Chew said in an interview.
It is important to note that ByteDance has nine months to sell the company, with an additional three-month grace period, before the ban takes effect. While TikTok may remain on users' phones initially, its removal from app stores would prevent new downloads and updates.
Read Also: TikTok Halts Rewards Program Following EU Scrutiny
How to Use a VPN to Access TikTok After Ban
While the ban may appear imminent, users can still access TikTok via VPN even after it is banned. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is an essential tool for getting around restrictions and maintaining access to the platform.
Here is how to use a VPN:
Download a Secure VPN: Start by selecting a reputable VPN service provider and downloading their application onto your device. Check out our top picks.
Set Up the VPN on Your Device: Follow the provider's instructions to install and configure the VPN on your device. This typically involves creating an account, logging in, and selecting your preferred settings.
Connect to a VPN Server: Once the VPN is set up, choose a server location where TikTok is not banned. This could be a country outside the US where TikTok remains accessible.
Download TikTok: With the VPN connected to a suitable server, open your device's app store and download TikTok as you normally would. The VPN will mask your location, allowing you to bypass any geo-restrictions or bans imposed in the US.
Using a VPN not only enables access to TikTok post-ban but also provides additional benefits such as encrypting your internet traffic, preventing third parties from monitoring your online activities and protecting your personal information from potential threats.
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Related Article: TikTok Ban: No Selling, Divest Operations Amidst US Shut Down Threats
