Fact Check: TikTok has been illegal for U.S. companies since January 19!

Fact Check: "TikTok has been illegal for U.S. companies since January 19!"

What We Know

The claim that "TikTok has been illegal for U.S. companies since January 19" lacks substantiation. As of October 2023, TikTok remains operational and accessible to U.S. companies and users. There have been ongoing discussions and legislative efforts regarding TikTok's data privacy and security practices, particularly due to its ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. However, no formal ban has been enacted that would render TikTok illegal for U.S. companies or users as of the specified date.

In fact, the U.S. government has considered various measures to restrict or ban TikTok, primarily focusing on national security concerns. Nonetheless, these discussions have not culminated in a definitive legal prohibition against the app itself or its use by companies in the U.S. (source-1).

Analysis

The assertion that TikTok is illegal for U.S. companies is misleading. While there have been significant political and legal discussions surrounding TikTok, including potential bans and regulatory scrutiny, the app continues to operate without any official prohibition as of January 19 or any date thereafter.

The source of this claim appears to be ambiguous and lacks credible backing. The discussions surrounding TikTok's legality often stem from concerns about data privacy, but these concerns have not resulted in a formal ban. For instance, the U.S. government has explored various avenues to address these concerns, including legislative proposals and executive actions, but no conclusive action has been taken that would classify TikTok as illegal for companies (source-4).

Furthermore, the credibility of sources discussing TikTok's status is crucial. While platforms like Zhihu provide user-generated content and discussions, they do not necessarily reflect verified legal status or government policy. Therefore, any claims made on such platforms should be approached with caution and verified against official government communications or reputable news sources.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that TikTok has been illegal for U.S. companies since January 19 is false. There is no evidence to support the assertion that TikTok has been banned or rendered illegal for use by U.S. companies. Instead, TikTok continues to operate within the U.S. market, despite ongoing discussions regarding its regulatory status.