Team Debate: Discussion Record & Planning Page
Our topic and position:TikTok poses a threat to U.s. national security, serving as a
propaganda arm of the Chinese Communist Party.
Points we can make Counterpoints from
the other team
TikTok could potentially be a In 2022 an investigation by
national security threat to the Buzzfeed News Found a leaked
US users audio from one of the TikTok
meetings where ByteDance
employees repeatedly
accessed U.S user data
excessive use of TikTok can TikTok should be banned A study in 2021 has shown that
lead to procrastination, lack of due to its addictive TikTok is linked to increase of
focus, and poor time nature and negative procrastination particularly
management skills. influence, posing risks to among students
users' mental health,
especially children.
People are concerned that Tiktok collects sensitive Multiple studies have shown
TikTok is tracking users information from its users and it that TikTok is tracking the users
is often taken without the user's
explicit knowledge such as
email addresses, phone
numbers, content you upload,
and information about your
keystroke patterns, battery
levels, audio settings, mobile
carrier, wireless connections
device brand and model
TikTok collects vast amounts of A 2022 point by Internet 2.0 (an
user data, including browsing Australian cyber security firm)
history, location, data device found that TikTok collects more
information, and even biometric data than necessary, for its
data. functionality, including real time
device tracking even when the
location service are off and
clipboard access meaning
TikTok can read anything
copied and pasted on a device.
students often prioritize TikTok students can use TikTok as a A 2022 report by Common
over their studies,leading to source of learning which leads Sense Media found that
lower grades and worse to higher grades TikTok’s short fast-paced
academic performance. videos reduce students' ability
to focus on long form reading
and studying. Many students
struggle with sustaining
attention for tasks that require
deep concentration such as
writing essays or complex
problems.
TikTok may be negatively TikTok can help with mental A study held by the University
impacting the mental health of health by showing funny and Of Chicago found that nearly
people, especially young adults happy videos instead of bad half of TikTok videos has
and teens. videos impacted young teens
Tiktok has been a huge source In 2022 a study by NewsGuard,
of the spread of online rumors a fact-checking organization
and misleading information found that almost 20% of TikTok
search results contained
misinformation related
U.S military and government In July of 2020 the U.S Air Force
agencies have already banned was the first to ban it followed
TikTik on official devices due to by the Army in October of 2020
concerns over data security
and the
Our Opening Statement
Our Opening Statement
Hello my name is Francisco Morales and I’m here to voice my stance on the pressing issue
surrounding the potential ban of TikTok. As a proponent of the affirmative side I firmly believe
that TikTok should face a ban due to serious concerns regarding privacy practices. The central
argument supporting this view is the pervasive tracking of users by TikTok which has raised
significant alarms within the public domain. Various studies and reports have shed light on the
fact that TikTok engages in the relentless monitoring of its user base primarily through tracking
online activities and collecting valuable data without explicit consent. This invasive behavior is
particularly concerning given the platform's immense popularity especially among younger
demographics who may be less aware of the implications of their digital footprint.
In essence the core issue at hand pertains to the invasive nature of TikTok's data collection
methods which extend beyond what most users would perceive as acceptable. The very fabric
of digital privacy is being challenged by the relentless pursuit of personal information by tech
giants like TikTok leading to a growing sentiment of unease and discontent among consumers.
This trend of exploiting user data for profit-making purposes has rightfully triggered a wave of
skepticism and calls for stringent regulatory measures to safeguard user privacy. Moreover the
potential for misuse of this data poses not only a risk to individual privacy but also raises broader
concerns about national security and the integrity of personal information in the hands of foreign
entities.
Therefore when considering the broader implications of TikTok's actions and their potential
impact on the digital landscape the argument for banning TikTok becomes not just a matter of
personal preference but a necessity to uphold fundamental rights to privacy and data
protection. The consequences of inaction could lead to a societal norm where privacy is no
longer valued or respected and the idea of personal information being commodified becomes
commonplace. By taking a firm stance against TikTok we are advocating for a future where user
consent and privacy are prioritized.
Furthermore it is essential to recognize that this issue transcends TikTok alone; it reflects a larger
crisis in the tech industry where companies often prioritize profits over ethical considerations
regarding user data. A ban on TikTok could serve as a precedent encouraging other platforms to
reevaluate their data practices and adopt more transparent and user-friendly policies. In
conclusion the potential ban of TikTok is not merely an isolated incident but a crucial step toward
fostering a digital environment that respects and protects user privacy. It is imperative that we
act decisively not only to protect individuals but also to establish a cultural standard that
prioritizes ethical behavior in the tech industry. By advocating for this ban we are standing up for
a future where digital privacy is a fundamental right not merely an afterthought.
