Support for TikTok Ban Declines as Fewer Americans See It as a Threat
Public support for a TikTok ban in the United States is weakening, with fewer Americans viewing the app as a security risk, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The study found that 34% of U.S. adults now favor a ban on the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform—down from 50% in 2023. Meanwhile, 32% oppose the ban, while 33% remain undecided.
Concerns Over TikTok and Opposition to the Ban
Among those advocating for a ban, data security and the app’s Chinese ownership were cited as primary concerns. Some respondents also pointed to misinformation on the platform and the belief that excessive screen time on TikTok is problematic.
Conversely, opponents argue that a ban could infringe on free speech and note that there is no conclusive evidence that TikTok poses a significant security threat. Nearly half of those against the ban believe it would negatively impact content creators and businesses that rely on TikTok for income.
TikTok’s Legal Battle and Potential Ban
The debate over TikTok’s security risks has been ongoing for years, culminating in a temporary ban in January 2025. However, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order delaying enforcement for 75 days, allowing TikTok to continue operating. That grace period is set to expire on April 5, raising concerns that the app could face another blackout if no further action is taken.
Potential Sale to U.S. Buyers
To avoid a ban, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has been exploring options to sell its U.S. operations. Trump recently stated that his team is in discussions with four potential buyers interested in acquiring the platform.
Among the potential buyers is AI startup Perplexity, which has proposed a unique approach: if it acquires TikTok, it plans to grant the U.S. government a 50% stake, overhaul the app’s algorithm, and open-source its recommendation system to enhance transparency.
With the April 5 deadline fast approaching, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the platform will continue to operate or face another ban.
