Why the Fight Over TikTok’s Future Is Bigger Than You Think

TikTok has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its creative content and unique algorithm. But the platform’s future is hanging in the balance, with the United States government setting a ban for 19 January unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, agrees to sell TikTok to a U.S.-based entity.

While officials cite national security concerns, others point to deeper, more complex motivations. Nic Fren, CEO of Bespoke Media, has raised an even broader concern: Facebook. Despite the scrutiny on TikTok, Facebook’s long and troubling history of data breaches—spanning more than a decade—poses a far greater risk to users’ privacy and trust.

This unfolding drama goes far beyond politics. TikTok is more than an app; it’s a lifeline for communities, a tool for businesses, and a platform that has reshaped digital culture. For users worldwide, its future could have profound implications.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Hidden Hand

TikTok hasn’t just disrupted the social media landscape—it’s rewritten the rules entirely.

Its meteoric rise has challenged the dominance of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, owned by Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta.

Zuckerberg tried to buy TikTok outright, but when that failed, he shifted tactics. Lobbying U.S. lawmakers to target TikTok under the guise of national security, Zuckerberg simultaneously positioned Meta as the "safer" alternative.

The irony is glaring. Facebook’s history of data breaches tells a very different story about safety. Since 2005, Facebook has suffered numerous publicised incidents:

• 2005: MIT researchers harvested data from 70,000 profiles, exposing privacy vulnerabilities.

• 2010: The app "This Is Your Digital Life" laid the groundwork for the Cambridge Analytica scandal, harvesting millions of users’ data without consent.

• 2013: A security flaw exposed the phone numbers and email addresses of 6 million users.

• 2018: The Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed that data from 87 million users was improperly used for political purposes.

• 2019: A devastating year for Facebook:

  • March: Hundreds of millions of user passwords were stored in plaintext, accessible to employees.

  • April: 540 million user records were exposed on a public server.

  • September: 419 million user records were leaked from an unsecured server.

  • December: Data from 300 million accounts appeared on the dark web.

• 2021: Over 530 million users’ personal data, including phone numbers, was leaked online.

• 2022: Meta uncovered more than 400 malicious apps designed to steal user credentials.

Despite this, Zuckerberg portrayed TikTok as the riskier platform. At the same time, Meta launched Instagram Reels, a feature that mimicked TikTok’s short-video format. This wasn’t just competition; it was a calculated attempt to undermine and outpace a rival that had disrupted Meta’s dominance.

TikTok Is More Than an App

TikTok’s appeal extends far beyond entertainment. For millions around the world, it has become a lifeline. People with anxiety, disabilities, or social struggles have found a safe space on TikTok—a place to connect, build communities, and find acceptance. Its algorithm rewards authenticity, amplifying voices that often go unheard on more curated platforms like Instagram.

It has also become a global economic powerhouse. Small businesses and creators across continents have used TikTok to grow their brands, reach new audiences, and generate income. For many, the platform isn’t just a tool—it’s the foundation of their livelihoods. A ban or major shift in ownership would disrupt these ecosystems, fracturing communities and forcing businesses to scramble for alternatives.

Lessons From Nic Fren

This situation serves as a stark reminder of advice shared by Nic Fren, in 2020: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Fren warned that relying solely on a single platform—whether Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok—is a risky strategy.

Policies shift, platforms evolve, and external pressures can cause seismic disruptions overnight.

For creators, businesses, and users who depend on TikTok, this is a wake-up call. Building a presence across multiple platforms isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity for long-term stability and success.

What’s Really Driving the Pressure?

The official narrative behind the U.S. government’s push to ban or sell TikTok is centred on national security, with fears that the Chinese government could access user data. But a closer look reveals deeper motivations.

This is as much about power and control as it is about data—control over the global digital landscape, influence over narratives, and dominance in the tech industry.

The rivalry between the U.S. and China only adds another layer to the equation. TikTok’s unprecedented success has made it a symbol of China’s growing influence in global tech, and its forced sale would represent a significant shift in the balance of power.

The Bigger Picture

TikTok’s future is about much more than a single app. It represents the intersection of geopolitics, corporate competition, and social change.

For users across the globe, its uncertain fate is a reminder of how intertwined our digital lives have become with platforms that are, ultimately, beyond our control.

Mark Zuckerberg may see TikTok as a rival to eliminate, but for millions of people, it’s a lifeline for creativity, community, and connection.

As the battle over TikTok’s future continues, the world must recognise what’s truly at stake: the voices, businesses, and communities that rely on this digital space to thrive. The challenge now is to adapt, diversify, and ensure that no matter the outcome, those voices continue to be heard.