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So, what’s at stake?

Freedom of speech at risk

Let’s start with the obvious.

Participants hold up signs in support of TikTok at a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol Building on March 12, 2024 in Washington, DC.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew

TikTok has also become a powerful tool for both activists and small businesses alike.

“Businesses are run through it.

Newsrooms get more views online now than via broadcast.

Cartoon hand holding a mobile device running a VPN, in front of a world map

Families use it to keep in touch.

Cutting out this infrastructure with no replacement or fallback plan will have far-reaching and as-yet-unseen consequences.”

Yet, this may come with a security cost.

Shou Zi Chew, chief executive officer of TikTok Inc., speaks during the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew

One of thebest VPNapps could help Americans mask their real IP address location.

“Attempting to address security and privacy concerns one app at a time is ineffective and potentially harmful.

This would likely create a domino effect across the world.

After all, the US is far from being the first country to block TikTok or similar.

The app has also beenrestricted in Venezuelasince January 8, 2025.

Even Albaniaannounced a banin December, which is expected to be enforced in the coming weeks.

If not a ban, then what?

Research conducted by VPN provider PIA in 2023 showed a clearimbalance of data protectionacross states.

Two years later, not much has changed.

Parsons also believes authorities should encourage greater transparency from tech companies about their data practices, too.

She said: “This is the way forward that balances freedoms and security.”