Arts·Commotion

What does a TikTok "ban" mean, exactly?

Culture writer Ana Diaz of Polygon talks about the so-called TikTok “ban,” and what it means for the future of the hugely popular app.

Culture writer Ana Diaz explains what's transpired in the U.S. legislature

A hand holds a phone with the logo of TikTok in front of the flags of the United States and China.
In this photo illustration the social media application logo for TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone in front of a US flag and Chinese flag background in Washington, DC, on March 16, 2023. China urged the United States to stop "unreasonably suppressing" TikTok on March 16, 2023, after Washington gave the popular video-sharing app an ultimatum to part ways with its Chinese owners or face a nationwide ban. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images) (Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images)

You may have seen the headlines about the so-called TikTok "ban" that U.S. president Joe Biden recently signed.

It's not a ban, exactly, but what it means for the future of the hugely popular app remains unclear. 

Today on Commotion, host Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with culture writer Ana Diaz from Polygon to find out what exactly is going on, and what TikTok users can expect going forward.

 

WATCH | Today's episode on YouTube: 

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Ana Diaz produced by Jean Kim.