In the midst of the upcoming presidential elections, President Joe Biden's campaign has turned to the popular video-sharing app TikTok as a means to engage with younger voters. However, the use of TikTok in the United States has sparked a divided opinion among adults in the country. According to a recent poll conducted by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, U.S. adults are split into three groups when it comes to banning TikTok. 31% of adults support a nationwide ban on the app, while 35% oppose such action. The remaining 31% neither favor nor oppose a ban.

The controversy surrounding TikTok's presence in the United States began to escalate last year when concerns were raised by Western lawmakers, governments, and regulators. These concerns revolved around Chinese laws that could potentially force TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, to share user data with the Chinese government. However, no specific evidence of such incidents has been provided by either the U.S. government or TikTok critics. Critics also argue that the platform could be used to spread propaganda in favor of the Chinese government or manipulate the visibility of certain topics.

TikTok, on the other hand, has staunchly defended itself against these allegations. The company has stated that it has never shared data with the Chinese government and has no intention of doing so if requested. In an effort to address concerns, TikTok has promised to separate U.S. user data from ByteDance and store it on servers maintained by the software company Oracle. Additionally, the company has committed to having this data monitored by external observers. Despite these assurances, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. is currently conducting a review of TikTok.

Efforts to ban TikTok have been met with opposition from various quarters. Last year, bipartisan legislation was proposed in Congress that would give the Commerce Department the power to review and potentially restrict the use of TikTok. However, this legislation faced resistance from industry, digital rights groups, lawmakers, influencers, and small businesses who utilize the platform. These opponents argue that a ban on TikTok would impede freedom of expression and hinder the ability of businesses to reach their target audience.

The AP-NORC poll also highlights a generational divide in attitudes towards TikTok. The majority of TikTok users, who are predominantly younger individuals, are less concerned about the app sharing user data compared to the broader adult population. Approximately 25% of daily TikTok users express concern about the Chinese government obtaining their personal information, while about 50% of U.S. adults overall share the same concern.

The issue of banning TikTok is not limited to personal devices. The poll reveals that 56% of U.S. adults support a more limited ban on TikTok's use on government devices, such as computers and phones used by government employees. This type of ban has already been implemented by 36 states, the federal government, and several other countries, including the European Union. The Biden campaign has taken precautions by using a separate cellphone for TikTok to isolate the app from other communications.

Critics of TikTok, including some Republicans, argue that the United States should follow India's example and prohibit the app altogether. However, TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek argues that the company has made significant progress in securing protected U.S. user data and hopes that policymakers will recognize these efforts.

The poll also sheds light on concerns regarding the impact of TikTok on children and teenagers. Approximately 60% of U.S. adults, including 41% of daily TikTok users, express worry about the amount of time young individuals spend on the app. Additionally, 59% of adults are concerned about the spread of misinformation on TikTok, while around 50% worry about dangerous or illegal activities being showcased on the platform. TikTok has implemented time limits for minors, but these restrictions can be bypassed with a passcode. The company is also partnering with global fact-checking organizations and establishing fact-checking hubs within the app to combat misinformation.

As the debate surrounding TikTok continues, it remains a complex issue for politicians. While they may want to appear tough on the matter, there is also a risk of backlash if a ban were to backfire. The Biden administration has reaffirmed that the platform is currently under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., which has previously threatened to ban TikTok if its Chinese owners fail to divest their stakes.

In conclusion, the use of TikTok by President Joe Biden's campaign to engage with younger voters has sparked a divisive discussion about whether the app should even operate in the United States. While some adults support a nationwide ban on TikTok, others oppose such action, and a significant portion remains neutral. Concerns about data privacy, propaganda, and the spread of misinformation have fueled the debate. TikTok has defended itself, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding user data and countering misinformation. The issue of banning TikTok extends beyond personal devices, with a majority supporting a more limited ban on government devices. The impact of TikTok on children and teenagers has also raised concerns. As the Biden administration continues to review the platform, the debate surrounding TikTok's future in the United States is likely to persist.