Don’t follow America with TikTok ban, says Alba MSP

On By Littum

Britain must not follow the US in banning TikTok, the Alba Party’s Holyrood leader has urged.

The US Supreme Court this week upheld the ban on the social media site – passed over national security fears – with a ban set to take effect on Sunday.

But despite the decision, the platform’s fate in the US remains unclear, with Donald Trump taking over the White House on Monday.

Trump said it was “a possibility” to issue a 90-day extension Monday, speaking with Meet The Press host Kristen Welker in a phone interview.

The incoming US president said: “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate.

“We have to look at it carefully. It is a very big situation. If I decide to do it, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”

The site can also continue to operate in the country if it is sold by its parent company, ByteDance, which US politicians voted to ban last year.

As the proposed ban is set to take effect, Alba Party Holyrood leader Ash Regan touted the app’s ability to reach those “disillusioned” with politics and urged the UK not to follow suit.

“Politicians should go out of their way to engage with all parts of society,” she said.

“TikTok has been a key tool for connecting with people who have become disillusioned with politics, and a ban would further alienate them from decision-making.

“The UK government should not follow the direction currently set by the US and we should all reject any policy that is not evidence-based, but in this case apparently more about economic posturing.”

A UK government spokesman said: “This is a matter for the US government. There are no plans to impose a TikTok ban in the UK.

“We are working with all major social media companies to understand their plans to ensure the security of UK data and to ensure they meet the high data protection and cyber security standards we expect.”