Iowa Bans TikTok

TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been banned in Iowa. This comes amid a wave of state and federal actions to restrict use of the app with over 100 million users.

In the past, FBI Director Christopher Wray has warned that China could use TikTok to spy on American citizens. Last December, President Joe Biden signed a bill prohibiting federal employees from using TikTok on government devices.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a short-form video app that allows users to create and share short videos of up to 15 seconds in length. The platform has seen tremendous growth recently, boasting both kids and adults as its users.

While the app has gained popularity, it has faced numerous privacy complaints and bans in different countries. Some of the most frequent issues centered around its ability to track and collect user data without consent.

Experts note that most social media platforms, including TikTok, collect and use personal data to target ads. This data may include your location, Internet address, and device type.

Another worry is TikTok may capture close-ups of your face in its videos, which could be exploited by hackers and other malicious actors to steal biometric data. While the company has taken measures to minimize these potential threats, experts say these issues will persist and it's best to be proactive about safeguarding your personal information.

One of the primary uses for TikTok is to express one's creativity. The app enables users to record short-form videos with music and effects, and those who have large followings often monetize their work through advertising campaigns, merchandise sales and partnerships with other businesses.

On TikTok, users have created various categories from dance to fitness, humor and travel. These spaces enable them to express themselves and connect with like-minded individuals.

The app also allows users to watch reaction videos - in which other users record their responses to a video they've seen. These can be humorous or touching.

TikTok has become increasingly popular among those using it to share their own stories, but an increasing number of influencers are also joining in on the fun. These influencers repurpose branded content into custom fitments on TikTok's platform.

Influencers have even created their own TikTok accounts to promote their brands and products. These typically feature a TikTok avatar as well as bio, photos and videos featuring the influencer.

According to PRWeek, 31% of TikTokers reported feeling happier due to the app's ability to promote interaction between users. This can help lift one's spirits and bring smiles to their faces.

Why is it being banned?

TikTok is an app that enables users to make short videos and share them with their friends. With nearly 2 billion monthly active users worldwide, the platform has become a go-to choice for businesses across various sectors from advertising and marketing services.

On Tuesday, the University of Wisconsin System joined other schools in banning TikTok from school-owned devices. Many states and Congress have issued bans on this app, while universities across America have either limited access or shut down their official accounts. As a result, students no longer have access to this popular social media platform.

On December 13th, 2021, Iowa University's official TikTok account (which dates back to 2021 and boasts 49,000 followers) last posted its content after Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all state agencies to remove it from all devices under state ownership.

University faculty utilize TikTok to educate, recruit students and connect with their campus community. Additionally, the UI Center for Media Engagement uses the app to share videos with students as well as research disinformation, misinformation and propaganda spreading on the platform.

Chris Snider, associate professor at Drake University's School of Journalism & Mass Communication, says TikTok can be an effective way to reach young people. However, he warns against its potential misuse as a vehicle for spreading misinformation or inflamatory material.

The app is owned by a Chinese company and the FBI has expressed concern that they may be sending user data to China in violation of European privacy laws. Furthermore, there are fears the app could be utilized by China's government for political purposes as well as allegations it causes mental health issues among teenagers.

Despite these concerns, Iowa's three public universities continue to use TikTok accounts on other social media platforms and the app still posts to their official pages. For example, UI's Chi Omega chapter is the only university sorority with an active TikTok account.

As TikTok's popularity grows, businesses must understand its workings and implications for their brand. One key thing to know is how to identify your target audience and create content they will enjoy - be it music, fashion or comedy - the right approach can help your business connect with its market and boost brand awareness.

How will this affect Iowans?

Iowa has decided to ban TikTok, a video platform that allows users to create short clips (known as "videos"), from its services. This marks the first time a state has decided against banning this service.

It will also make it illegal for businesses to sell TikToken in Iowa and prevent companies from promoting or encouraging people to use the app. The law comes as a response to concerns about the app's growing popularity and potential harm it may cause.

Reynolds announced her campaign against TikTok's growing popularity, asserting it can lead to addiction and other detrimental outcomes. Additionally, she expressed concern for children's educational pursuits and how this app may negatively impact them.

Iowa, one of the biggest states in America, boasts many tech workers. The ban is expected to have a major effect on the state's economy.

The state's Revenue Estimating Conference anticipates Iowa will generate slightly less revenue this fiscal year than it did last. This decrease is largely attributed to tax cuts signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds earlier in the year.

Under the new law, single people will pay 4.4% on income under $6000 and 4.82% on earnings over $6,000; higher rates apply to couples. Furthermore, it exempts taxes on retirement income such as IRA and 401(k) withdrawals.

Iowans are expected to save an estimated $1.2 million in taxes this year. Furthermore, small businesses in Iowa will benefit as they won't need to pay sales tax on parts and labor used for their operations.

At present, a single person with income of $38,700 or married couple with earnings of $77,400 are taxed at 22%. With the new 8% rate in 2022, that same individual will owe $2,559 in taxes.

Furthermore, the new tax cut will make Iowa more competitive on job creation issues. Its average unemployment rate of 3.1%, lower than the national average of 4%, bodes well for economic development in the state.

What are the alternatives?

TikTok is a widely-used social media platform for short video content. Users create videos of dances and skits which they then share on the platform. Furthermore, TikTok serves to promote brands and travel destinations alike.

TikTok's growing popularity has drawn the attention of both state and federal governments, with some states taking action against the app, as well as many schools and university systems banning it on campus networks.

Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa recently issued a ban on TikToken use on all state-owned devices due to national security concerns that could have an effect on her office, the state and nation as a whole. She expressed her trepidation by saying: "I am concerned for our office, our state and our nation."

She expressed concern about the app's collection of personal data on users, such as geolocation and contact info.

The governor's action follows similar ones taken in other states and comes after President Trump and Vice President Joe Biden expressed concerns that China may be using TikTok to spy on American citizens. Both leaders have warned against this potential use of technology by China's government.

Since December, several states and university systems have banned TikTok on school-owned devices and campus WiFi, and some lawmakers are considering legislation to outright ban the app nationwide.

Although this has caused some frustration among students, it also opened the door to alternative platforms for those who want to watch short form content without using an app. These range from social networks and photo-sharing apps to websites offering compilation videos.

These sites are great alternatives to TikTok for those searching for a fast way to view short form content. All are free and straightforward to download.

If you're searching for a way to watch short-form content without using TikTok, YouTube is your answer. It has tons of compilation videos featuring some of the most popular content from these two apps.

Facebook or Twitter may offer similar solutions, though these could be more challenging to manage. Furthermore, they may not be as secure as TikTok so it's wise to take extra precautions when using them.