From viral videos to global tensions

Photo: AFP

TIKTOK, the app owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, usually sparks buzz over viral videos that are seen by millions worldwide. In recent weeks, though, the app itself has been the subject of much talk as it was banned in the United States over security concerns, only for newly inaugurated President Donald Trump to lift the ban – temporarily and conditionally.

Launched in 2016, TikTok has become a cultural powerhouse that commands the spotlight. It’s not just reshaping how we create and consume content, it’s also challenging traditional ideas of national security, global politics, and the very nature of digital dominance. TikTok isn’t just an app; it’s a battleground for the future.