Recent estimates indicate that TikTok boasts approximately 80 million monthly active users (MAUs) in the United States alone.
Among these users, there's a demographic breakdown of 60% female and 40% male. Notably, 60% of the MAUs fall within the age bracket of 16-24, amounting to 48 million users, while 26% are aged between 25-44, totaling 21 million users.
TikTok's user base predominantly consists of the youth and those aspiring to capture a youthful vibe.
Interestingly, TikTok is under the umbrella of the Chinese internet company ByteDance.
Washington seeks to exert more influence and oversight over how TikTok engages with American users.
During the Trump administration, there was a significant move to ban the app within 45 days. However, the decision was later reconsidered, shifting towards advocating for the sale of TikTok to a US buyer, with the expectation of the US receiving a substantial share of the sale proceeds.
TikTok's leadership geared up to sell its technology to a reputable American corporation but encountered resistance from Chinese Communist Party officials who opposed any such takeover, leading to complications and regulatory hurdles.
The conflict surrounding TikTok has evolved into a major standoff between two global powers, with billions of dollars at stake, potentially shaping cultural and entertainment trends for generations to come.
For the Biden administration, TikTok serves as a significant test case for regulating popular technology while managing the intricacies of the US-China commercial relationship.
TikTok is not just another social media platform; it's akin to handheld television on steroids, offering access to a myriad of global content creators via hyper-personalized channels.
With its AI-driven recommendation engine, TikTok delivers content tailored to individual preferences and quirks. Experts like Kevin Munger from Penn State University note that snappy videos are more efficient at communicating information than traditional text-based content.
Given its television-like nature, there's a growing call for TikTok to be regulated similarly to traditional television under the Communications Act of 1934, although amendments would be necessary to adapt to the digital landscape.
Furthermore, various nations, from Canada to China, have implemented regulations governing television and communications, underscoring the need for similar oversight in the realm of platforms like TikTok.
Last week, a House committee passed legislation that bill that would give TikTok an ultimatum: Break up with the Chinese Communist Party or break up with the US.
Officials from the FBI, Justice Department, and Office of the Director of National Intelligence will brief all House lawmakers on TikTok on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Maeve Sheehey from Bloomberg is reporting that the House is planning to vote Wednesday on the TikTok bill.
Enjoy the ride and plan accordingly.
-Marc
