A paper of the folllowing:

Forced Sale of TikTok

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/03/17/tiktok-sale-ban-challenges/

• Own written evaluation and analysis (not just a summary!) of the selected privacy issue. The paper should discuss, with clarity and precision, the privacy issues presented by the emerging technology, the potential barriers to adopting privacy-enhancing solutions, and the likelihood of such solutions being implemented. The Reflection Paper must be your own individual work. The Critical Thinking Rubric used for grading the reflection paper is posted on the class Moodle page

1. An overall summary of the technology or development and the privacy issues presented

• House-passed bill mandates ByteDance to sell TikTok assets within 6 months or face ban.
• Transaction complexity poses practical challenges, making a sale unlikely.
• Sale would require severing a $150 billion company from its technical backbone amidst legal challenges and resistance from China.
• Potential buyers may face antitrust scrutiny, slowing the process.
• Previous acquisitions took months to finalize, highlighting the complexity of such deals.
• Wealthy suitors express interest, but financing and legal challenges hinder progress.
• China opposes forced sale, citing fair competition and international trade norms.
• U.S.-China tensions complicate negotiations; forced sale could lead to retaliation.
• Recent precedent shows forced sales can take time and face regulatory hurdles.
• ByteDance's ownership structure and legal rights could complicate divestiture.
• Failure to sell could lead to federal government actions to block TikTok through tech companies.
• Implementing an effective ban would require significant regulatory and technological measures.

1. Description of how the privacy concerns are currently being handled

• Continuous Monitoring: TikTok employs ongoing monitoring mechanisms to detect and respond to potential privacy breaches or unauthorized access to user data.
• Consent Mechanisms: Users are provided with clear consent mechanisms for data collection and processing, ensuring transparency and informed consent.
• Data Minimization: TikTok practices data minimization by only collecting and retaining the minimum amount of user data necessary for providing its services, reducing privacy risks.
• Security Audits: Regular security audits and assessments are conducted to identifyvulnerabilities and strengthen security measures to protect user data.
• User Support: TikTok offers user support channels for addressing privacy concerns, providing assistance and guidance on privacy-related issues.
• Third-Party Assessments: Independent assessments and audits by third-party experts are conducted to validate TikTok's privacy practices and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Incident Response Plan: A comprehensive incident response plan is in place to effectively manage and mitigate data breaches or security incidents, ensuring prompt action and communication with affected users.
• Privacy by Design: Privacy considerations are integrated into the design and development of TikTok's features and services, promoting privacy-centric practices from the outset.
• Transparency and Accountability: TikTok maintains transparency and accountability in its data practices by openly communicating its privacy policies, data handling procedures, and compliance efforts to users and stakeholders.

1. Highlight any existing laws or regulations that apply and address any proposed or recent changes to the laws.

Existing Laws -

• State laws limiting TikTok use have faced First Amendment challenges. In November 2023, a federal trial court blocked a Montana ban on TikTok, citing the First Amendment. The ruling is being appealed. Laws that target expressive conduct trigger constitutional scrutiny. The Montana court found the state's law targeted expressive activity by banning a means of expression.
• The Bill of Attainder Clause prevents Congress from singling out individuals or groups for punishment without a trial. If a law specifically required ByteDance to sell TikTok without due process, it could violate this clause. However, national security concerns could complicate this issue. Any action involving the forced sale of TikTok would need to be evaluated carefully in light of this constitutional principle.
• In March 2022, President Biden signed an order to make sure that data can be safely shared between the U.S. and the EU. The order improves how personal data is handled and adds safeguards for U.S. intelligence activities. It sets up a process to review complaints, involving two steps: first, an investigation by a specific officer, and second, a review by a special court. These changes aim to follow U.S. rules and help the EU approve data transfers, which is good for both U.S. and EU companies.

Proposed Laws

• H.R. 503 / S. 85: No TikTok on American Devices Act )
  • This bill mandates sanctions on ByteDance Limited, the parent company of TikTok, as long as ByteDance is involved with TikTok. The President must impose property-blocking sanctions on ByteDance or any successor entity or subsidiary if they are involved with TikTok or any successor service, or with information, video, or data associated with TikTok. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) must report to Congress on any national security threats posed by TikTok, including China's government's ability to access or use the data of U.S. TikTok users. Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, ODNI must brief Congress on the bill's implementation.

• H.R. 57: Protecting Personal Data from Foreign Adversaries Act
  • This bill allows sanctions on software that steals user data for certain foreign entities. The President can regulate transactions involving such software, and impose sanctions on developers and owners who send user data to servers in China accessible by the Chinese government or the CCP. The Department of State must report to Congress on whether WeChat or TikTok are affected by these rules.
• H.R. 1153: DATA Act
  • This bill aims to protect the personal data of Americans, especially from being shared with people influenced by China. It clarifies that sensitive personal data is not exempt from regulation under certain laws. The bill requires the Treasury Department to stop transactions between Americans and those who might send personal data to Chinese-influenced people. It also introduces sanctions on transactions involving software that helps China's military, intelligence, censorship, or surveillance. The President must decide if certain entities, like TikTok, should face these regulations and sanctions.
• S. 686: RESTRICT Act-
  • This bill aims to protect against foreign threats to technology like social media apps and sets penalties for violations. It requires the Department of Commerce to identify and address transactions involving these technologies that pose risks to U.S. national security. It also allows the President to address holdings that could harm national security and to label foreign governments as adversaries if they pose serious threats. The bill includes enforcement measures by the Department of Justice and penalties for non-compliance.
• H.R. 1081 / S. 347: ANTISOCIAL CCP Act
  • This bill requires the President to impose sanctions that block property on TikTok, its parent company ByteDance Ltd., and other large social media companies with ties to certain foreign countries. These sanctions would apply if the property is in the U.S. or controlled by U.S. persons, and blocking it is necessary to stop the company's operations in the U.S. The sanctions also apply to larger social media companies connected to countries or individuals considered concerning, including China, Russia, and North Korea. This includes companies based in these countries, where these countries or individuals own a significant portion of their voting stock, use controlled software or algorithms, or have substantial influence over their data sharing or content moderation practices.
• S. 872: SAFETY on Social Media Act of 2023-
  • This bill limits access in the U.S. to apps or websites of social media companies owned or controlled by certain countries (China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia). The President must publish a list of these companies and block certain transactions involving them. The Federal Communications Commission must block access to these companies' apps or websites through U.S. app stores and internet providers. Employees of listed companies must register with the Department of Justice, and foreign nationals employed by these companies are restricted from U.S. visas for a certain period.
• H.R. 7521: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act
  • This bill stops certain foreign-controlled apps, like TikTok, from being distributed, hosted, or maintained in the U.S. unless they make changes approved by the President. The Department of Justice can investigate and enforce violations, with penalties based on the number of users. The bill also requires these apps to provide users with their account data before the ban starts. Any legal challenges to the bill must be made within specific time limits to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

1. An appropriate news story, article and/or video can be used to frame the discussion.

The guardian article

• TikTok has stated its intention to challenge any ban or forced sale of its US operations in court, following the passage of legislation by the House of Representatives targeting the app. The bill, part of a foreign aid package, would ban TikTok if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not sell its stake in the American business. TikTok's head of public policy for the Americas, Michael Beckerman, called the bill unconstitutional and vowed to fight it in court, citing violations of the first amendment protecting freedom of speech. Similar arguments have previously benefited TikTok in the US, where a district judge blocked a state ban on the app, ruling it infringed on users' constitutional rights. TikTok is facing scrutiny over data privacy concerns, with fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government, an allegation the company denies.

1. The group members should be prepared to answer questions about the topic posed by fellow class members or the instructor.

Cites

• https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/tiktok-ceo-voices-disappointment-house-vote-ban-social-media-platform CEO perspective: Jessica Osorio

• https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/24/biden-signed-a-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-what-that-mean-for-you.html Bidens Bill Passing

• -China Signals Opposition to Forced Sale of TikTok in the U.S. (msn.com)- STEPHANIE PETERSEN

• https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/style/montana-tiktok-ban-influencers.html

Tiktok Influencers Perspective: Jessica Osorio

• https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/23/tiktok-ban-us-start-explained/?nid=top_pb_signin&arcId=UENKYAVCBVHWRD7T77V2EQSIEU&account_location=ONSITE_HEADER_ARTICLE

Tiktok Users Impact: Jessica Osorio

• https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10942 Legslative Proposals

• https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/10/07/fact-sheet-president-biden-signs-executive-order-to-implement-the-european-union-u-s-data-privacy-framework/ Executive Order

• https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7521 (Existing and proposed laws)

• US Senate passes bill to force sale of TikTok, sending it to Biden | Technology | Al Jazeera Us Senate Bill Passing

• ByteDance sale of TikTok will take more than 6 months, making a ban likely - The Washington Post Byte dance

• https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/24/biden-signed-a-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-what-that-mean-for-you.html (Sarah)

• https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/22/tiktok-us-ban-or-forced-sale-bill-bytedance (Taji)

'

Rubric:

Issue/problem to be considered critically is stated clearly and described comprehensively, delivering all relevant information necessary for full understanding.

Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis. Viewpoints of experts are questioned thoroughly.

Thoroughly (systematically and methodically) analyzes own and others' assumptions and carefully evaluates the relevance of contexts when presenting a position.

Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) is imaginative, taking into account the complexities of an issue. Limits of position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) are acknowledged. Others' points of view are synthesized within position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis).

Conclusions and related outcomes (consequences and implications) are logical and reflect student's informed evaluation and ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Notes:

Some Facts about TikTok 1 in 4 TikTok users are under 20 years old TikTok has more Gen Z users than Instagram The majority of TikTok creators are aged 18 to 24 57% of TikTok users are female The US has the largest TikTok audience (over 135 million) Almost 90% of Saudi Arabian adults use TikTok The average age of the top 10 TikTok creators is 24 years old Each of 2021's top seven TikTok earners was 25-years-old or younger The social media platforms appeal to a young audience has taken TikTok (37.3 million) above Instagram (33.3 million) in terms of popularity among Gen Z users. The US has the single largest TikTok audience with over 135 million users. That's approximately 38% more than second-placed Indonesia's 99 million users. Saudi Arabia leads the way with around 9 in 10 (87.9%) in Tiktok penetration Which countries banned TikTok? Several countries have either banned TikTok or considered banning it. Notable examples include India, which banned TikTok in 2020, citing national security concerns. The United States also made attempts to ban TikTok during the Trump administration, although these efforts faced legal challenges. What were the reasons behind the ban? The primary reasons cited for the ban on TikTok were concerns over data privacy, security, and the potential for the Chinese government to access user data through TikTok's parent company, Byte Dance. Were there any alternatives for TikTok users after the ban? In some countries where TikTok was banned, users turned to alternative apps for short-form video sharing, such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Triller. Did the ban lead to any changes in TikTok's policies or operations? The threat of bans and regulatory scrutiny prompted TikTok to take various measures to address concerns about data privacy and security. This included implementing stricter privacy controls, establishing transparency initiatives, and restructuring its operations in some regions. Was the ban permanent, or was there a possibility of TikTok being reinstated? The status of TikTok bans varied by country and over time. Some bans were temporary, while others remained in place indefinitely or were lifted after negotiations and assurances from TikTok regarding data security and privacy. The House-passed bill mandates ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest its assets within six months or face a ban. The sale process faces practical challenges due to the nature of the transaction. Severing a $150 billion company from its technical backbone legal challenges poses significant hurdles. Potential buyers may encounter antitrust scrutiny, slowing down the sale process. Wealthy suitors have expressed interest, but financing and legal challenges hinder progress. China opposes the forced sale, citing fair competition and international trade norms.U.S.-China tensions complicate negotiations, potentially leading to retaliatory measures. Recent precedent shows that forced sales can take time and face regulatory hurdles. ByteDance ownership structure and legal rights could further complicate divestiture. Failure to sell with the mandate could lead to federal government actions to block TikTok through tech companies.Implementing an effective ban would require significant regulatory and technological measures. Challenges and Implications of House-Passed Bill Mandating ByteDance to Sell TikTok Assets: The Chinese government's opposition to the sale, coupled with preferences for banning the app, complicates ByteDance position. Amidst regulatory challenges and lobbying efforts, TikTok's global success faces scrutiny, with implications for both U.S.-China relations and national security concerns. Despite financial constraints, a group led by former Treasury Secretary Mnuchin is pursuing the acquisition of TikTok. TikTok continues to thrive despite encountering some image-related challenges, underscoring the global reach of China's technological prowess. TikTok advocacy efforts against proposed U.S. legislation are generating significant discussion both domestically and in China. Support for TikTok on Weibo draws parallels to past challenges faced by prominent Chinese technology firms. Concerns arise over the potential impact on other Chinese companies operating in the U.S. if TikTok were to be banned, prompting national security worries. ByteDance steadfast commitment to its stance on TikTok is exerting pressure on U.S. policymakers and the Biden administration. China's regulatory framework governing TikTok's technology usage holds significant sway in potential sale negotiations, highlighting China's importance. Despite competition from other platforms, TikTok maintains a strong presence in the American market

Privacy Issues ByteDance is a Chinese tech company famous for apps like TikTok who use AI for content. Personalized content recommendations Automated video editing and effects Speech and image recognition features Targeted advertising using AI analysis Extensive data collection including location, device info, and browsing history. Uncertainty about how user data is shared with third parties and potential ties to the Chinese government. Lack of transparency regarding data practices and privacy policies. Security vulnerabilities that could expose user data to unauthorized access. Concerns about the privacy and safety of underage users, including the collection of their personal information. House TikTok bill gives ByteDance 6 months to sell. That's unlikely. The U.S house of representatives passed a bill that would give TikToks owner Bytedance 6 months to sell The chances of this happening are very unlikely considering a deal would be too complicated and too expensive especially for the short time frame proposed This would mean that the app would be banned under the legislation A sale would involve disconnecting a company valued at potentially $150 billion from its technical infrastructure, all while facing legal challenges and opposition from China, which has tried to prevent any such transaction

• ByteDance sale of TikTok will take more than 6 months, making a ban likely - The Washington Post A deal of this matter would include large amounts of management and strategic planning resource with a very high risk of failure Considering this app would sell for potentially more than $100 billion, very few buyers would even be able to consider buying Tik Tok Aside from the large price a buyer would have to pay they would have to deal with aggressive legal challenges Detaching the algorithm from ByteDance would be a very complex process China and ByteDance will never allow the source code to be sold to a U.S. tech company China has expressed that it is unfair to use national security as a pretext to bring down successful companies of other countries However a deal is extremely complicated and unlikely which will ultimately most likely lead to the banning of TikTok China has expressed that it is unfair to use national security as a pretext to bring down successful companies of other countries A Biden official responded by saying said the administration's goal was for TikTok to be divested, not banned the administration's goal was for TikTok to be divested, not banned However a deal is extremely complicated and unlikely which will ultimately most likely lead to the banning of Tik Tok Continuous Monitoring: This practice involves TikTok regularly checking and analyzing its systems and processes to swiftly detect any potential privacy breaches or unauthorized access to user data. By maintaining constant vigilance, TikTok can respond promptly to any issues that arise, minimizing the impact on users and preventing further compromise of sensitive information. Essentially, continuous monitoring ensures that TikTok remains proactive in safeguarding user privacy. Consent Mechanisms: Provide users with clear options to consent to data collection, ensuring transparency about what data is being gathered, how it will be used, and for what purposes. This transparency builds trust between TikTok and its users, as it demonstrates a commitment to respecting user privacy preferences. Clear consent mechanisms also help TikTok comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that user data is handled responsibly and ethically. Data Minimization: This principle involves TikTok collecting only the necessary data required for its intended purposes, thereby reducing the risk of exposing users to privacy breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. By collecting less data, TikTok not only enhances user privacy and security but also aligns with privacy principles such as data minimization and purpose limitation. This approach simplifies data management processes, reduces storage and processing costs, and mitigates the potential for misuse or exploitation of user data Security Audits: Regular security audits and assessments are conducted to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures that protect user data. User Support: TikTok offers user support channels for addressing privacy concerns, providing assistance and guidance on privacy-related issues. Third-Party Assessments: Independent assessments and audits by third-party experts are conducted to validate TikTok's privacy practices and compliance with regulatory requirements. Incident Response Plan: A comprehensive incident response plan is in place to effectively manage and mitigate data breaches or security incidents, ensuring prompt action and communication with affected users. Privacy by Design: Privacy considerations are integrated into the design and development of TikTok's features and services, promoting privacy-centric practices. Transparency and Accountability:TikTok maintains transparency and accountability in its data practices by openly communicating its privacy policies, data handling procedures, and compliance efforts to users and stakeholders. Recommendations/Plan Continuous Monitoring: Users can view a log of recent login activity, including device type, location, and time, to monitor for any unauthorized access. Consent Mechanisms: Users can manage their data settings, including personalized ads, location data, and ad preferences, allowing them to control the data. Data Minimization: Users can choose what information is visible on their profile, including their username, profile picture, bio, and links to other social media accounts, minimizing the data exposed to other users. Security Audits: Users can enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security, requiring a code sent to their phone or email to log in to their account.
• User Support:
  • Users can access the help center to report privacy concerns or technical issues directly to TikTok's support team for assistance. Data Protection and Compliance: TikTok provides detailed information about its data handling practices in its privacy policy, including how user data is collected, stored, and shared, demonstrating transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. Incident Response Plan: Users can designate trusted contacts who can help them regain access to their account in case of a security incident or account compromise. Privacy by Design: Users can review their account activity, including likes, comments, and shares, to ensure their interactions align with their privacy preferences and values. Transparency and Accountability: TikTok's privacy policy outlines its commitment to user privacy and explains how user data is handled, providing users with transparency and accountability regarding data practices.

CEO Shou Zi Chew Thoughts Chew stated that TikTok expects to win a legal challenge against the legislation signed into law by President Biden, which would potentially ban the app. Chew highlighted that TikTok believes both the facts and the Constitution are on their side, expressing confidence in no ban. Despite the deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok US assets or face a ban, Chew asserted that TikTok would continue to operate and challenge the restrictions. TikTok plans to challenge the ban on First Amendment grounds, and users are expected to take legal action as well. Senator Laphonza Butler urged consideration of the impact on TikTok's 8,000 US employees and local economies in New York and California. The legislation would also provide the White House with new tools to address security threats posed by other foreign-owned apps. Concerns were raised by Senator Ron Wyden about the broad authority granted by the bill, potentially risking Americans' First Amendment rights. Tiktok's CEO Responses TikTok is owned by a Chinese company, ByteDance, which has to follow Chinese laws requiring data sharing with the Chinese government. Even though TikTok says it's working to keep US data separate and has started deleting old data, there are doubts about whether data collected before these efforts was shared with the Chinese government. TikTok insists it hasn't shared that data. U.S. fail to recognize the impact it would have on the users besides security measures. Provides a space for over 170 million users to freely express themselves and supports more than 7 million businesses across the nation Impact of the Tiktok Ban

• What could be the economic impact of the potential TikTok ban on individual creators and small businesses? The ban could pose a threat to their livelihoods, as over 7 million U.S. businesses sell products on TikTok, potentially resulting in loss of income and opportunities for growth. How might the ban affect the online social lives and communities of millions of Americans? It could disrupt their access to a platform for self-expression and community-building, leading to a loss of connection with friends, followers, and like-minded individuals who form their online communities. Are there potential legal challenges to the ban? there could be legal challenges regarding free speech rights and government overreach, raising questions about the constitutionality of targeting a single company and potentially impacting the outcome of the ban. How might the ban raise concerns about data privacy and security? Users may become more cautious about their online behaviors and take steps to protect their personal information, as the ban may lead to uncertainties about data handling practices and security measures on alternative platforms. What could banning tiktok cause in terms of privacy and security? If TikTok is banned, users might switch to platforms with weaker privacy policies or less secure data handling. Also, banning TikTok could lead to unauthorized versions of the app, increasing privacy and security risks.
  • Relied on TikTok as her full-time job for about a year.

Tiktok Influencers Point Of View Kylie Nelson

• Estimated that 70% of her income comes from TikTok.
• Worried about the financial impact of the ban, which could render her investments in the platform useless. Ashley and Brittany Luly
• Experienced rapid growth on TikTok, leading to more followers than on Instagram.
• Although TikTok isn't their full-time job, they occasionally earn up to $6,000 for a single ad.
• Support the ban for protecting users' personal information. Nicole O'Shea:
• Relies on TikTok for income through user-generated content.
• Makes an average of $3,500 a month creating content for brands.
• Views the ban as potentially devastating for her ability to provide for her family. State laws limiting Tik Tok use have faced First Amendment challenges Some states have tried to pass laws that restrict people from using TikTok. But in November 2023, a federal court stopped Montana from enforcing such a ban. The court said that banning TikTok violated people's First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech. The Bill of Attainder Clause Prevents Congress from singling out individuals or groups for punishment without a trial. If a law specifically required ByteDance to sell Tik Tok without due process, it could violate this clause. However, national security concerns could complicate this issue. Existing Laws In March 2022, President Biden signed an order to make sure that data can be safely shared between the U.S. and the EU. The order improves how personal data is handled and adds safeguards for U.S. intelligence activities. It sets up a process to review complaints, involving two steps: 1. An investigation by a specific officer 2. A review by a special court

Proposed Laws H.R. 503 / S. 85: No TikTok on American Devices Act This bill mandates sanctions on ByteDance Limited, the parent company of TikTok, as long as ByteDance is involved with TikTok President must impost property-blocking sanctions on ByteDance The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) must report to Congress on any national security threats posed by TikTok Including China's government's ability to access or use the data of U.S. TikTok users Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, ODNI must brief Congress on the bill's implementation H.R. 57: Protecting Personal Data from Foreign Adversaries Act This bill allows sanctions on software that steals user data for certain foreign entities. The President can regulate transactions involving such software, and impose sanctions on developers and owners who send user data to servers in China accessible by the Chinese government or the CCP. The Department of State must report to Congress on whether WeChat or TikTok are affected by these rules. H.R. 7521: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act The bill stops certain foreign-controlled apps, such as TikTok, from being distributed, hosted, or maintained in the U.S. unless approved changes are made by the President. The Department of Justice can investigate and enforce violations of the bill. Penalties are based on the number of users affected. The bill requires affected apps to provide users with their account data before the ban starts.

• Legal challenges must be made within specific time limits to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
• -S. 686: RESTRICT Act
  • To protect against foreign threats posed by technology, especially in the realm of social media apps.
  • By empowering relevant authorities to address transactions and holdings that could compromise national security, the bill aims to enhance the security landscape of the United States.
• H.R. 1081 / S. 347: ANTISOCIAL CCP Act
  • Focuses on safeguarding the United States against foreign threats originating from technology, particularly in the realm of social media applications.
  • Recognizing the evolving landscape of technology, the legislation aims to address vulnerabilities and potential risks posed by foreign entities, including their access to sensitive data and influence over communication channels.
• S. 872: SAFETY on Social Media Act of 2023
  • Aims to limit access in the United States to social media applications and websites owned or controlled by specific countries, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Current News "Biden just signed a bill that could ban TikTok: Here's what that means for you" President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on April 25, 2024 that would ban TikTok if it's not sold within a year Owner = ByteDance, a Chinese company 12 months to sell its shares, otherwise it will become illegal for web-hosting services to support TikTok Folded into the same law that says the US will provide aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan TikTok's response: "This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court. This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans."

TikTok Notes Notes is a new feature on TikTok for posting photo and text content, similar to Meta's Instagram. Users can use their existing TikTok account for Notes. It allows posting photos or images with a headline and caption. The content on Notes includes memes-style content but may change with more users and content creators joining. Notes has a "following" tab to show followed users and a "for you" tab for algorithm-recommended content. Unlike Instagram, Notes does not have a Stories feature; posts appear on the profile indefinitely. Notes is not TikTok's version of Reels; Reels is Instagram's response to TikTok.

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