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Published 21:34 IST, January 19th 2025

'Against TikTok Ban...' Elon Musk's Big Take Amid US Case and Acquisition Buzz

Musk has remained a vocal critic of such proposals, emphasizing the importance of free speech.

Reported by: Business Desk
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What is Xiaohongshu Chinese Alternative of TikTok in US
Tiktok | Image: AP

In a recent post on X, Elon Musk voiced concerns over the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding social media platforms, specifically TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Musk, who owns X, argued that the current situation—where TikTok operates freely in the United States but X is blocked in China—creates an imbalance in the global digital space. Musk’s comments come as the debate surrounding the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. heats up. While many U.S. lawmakers have raised national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership, Musk has remained a vocal critic of such proposals, emphasizing the importance of free speech.

"TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform," Musk wrote in a tweet. "Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for."
Musk’s stance highlights a complex issue at the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and civil liberties. He argues that allowing platforms like TikTok to operate freely within the U.S. aligns with the country’s values while blocking or restricting access to competing platforms overseas undermines the principles of open communication and expression.

The U.S. government's concerns about TikTok’s potential ties to the Chinese government have sparked a growing movement to impose a ban, citing the risk of data collection and surveillance. Meanwhile, in China, access to X and other Western social media platforms remains restricted, fueling a perception of unequal treatment across borders. Musk’s call for a more balanced approach echoes broader concerns about fairness and the freedom of the digital space. His comments underscore the need for a nuanced conversation about how nations can navigate the digital divide while upholding the values of free speech and expression.
 

Updated 21:34 IST, January 19th 2025