Here’s what a potential ban of TikTok in the US could mean for free speech and privacy

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — It’s been a confusing week for the 170 million American users of TikTok.

Dr. Eddith Dashiell sits in a chair looking off to the side to an off camera interviewer for a discussion of TikTok. A neon sign is behind her that reads "Always Open"
Dr. Eddith Dashiell speaks about the TikTok ban and its possible implications. [Arielle Teppert | WOUB]

Congress passed a law banning Chinese ownership of TikTok in the United States, but it did not fully go into effect by the Jan. 19 deadline.

The app went dark late on Jan. 18 , but just days later, service was restored in the U.S.

President Donald Trump, as part of a flurry of executive orders signed in his first few days, delayed the law from going into effect for 75 days.

Some asked if his actions fall under the scope of what an executive order can do.

Dr. Eddith Dashiell, director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, said it does.

“Trump hasn’t done anything illegal yet,” Dashiell said.” “All he did was extend the ban. He didn’t come right out and say there’s no ban and he’s not doing anything.”

Although the extension is legal, it could have some implications for the rights of citizens.

Dr. Janice Collins, a professor at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, said she worries about freedom of speech if the ban goes through. She hopes citizens in the United States don’t lose their rights like people in other countries have.

“If we’re not careful, we’re heading in the same direction. And I think that’s an issue. That’s a serious issue,” said Collins.

In this context, Dashiell agrees.

“If you’re a TikTok user or a person who created content for TikTok you could say the government is violating U.S. Citizens First Amendment right to be able to express an opinion, to develop content, to be shared on TikTok,” said Dashiell.

Collins emphasized that banning specific apps could be the start of broader bans.

“I think our First Amendment right to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, our First Amendment right to express an opinion, may contradict it or go against whatever the status quo opinion happens to be,” said Collins. “And I think everything’s at risk. It’s more than just social media.”

Dashiell said the government does have to balance protecting First Amendment Rights with national security.

“China is a communist country,” Dashiell said, “China has a law on the books that allows them to gather any type of data from any target, from anyone.”

She said Americans should think about how much of their personal information they give to companies.

According to the Pew Research Center, “Very few Americans actually have true online privacy, with most expressing concern about their data being tracked by companies and the government.”

“I mean, our privacy is pretty much nonexistent now,” said Dashiell. “But that doesn’t mean we should stop fighting to protect what little privacy we have left.”

President Trump said he hopes to find a U.S. buyer for TikTok within the 75-day delay.

He continues to express his interest in tech billionaires Elon Musk of X, Tesla and SpaceX or Larry Ellison of Oracle buying the platform to keep TikTok operational in America.