Is TikTok really banned?

The American government, despite having no proof, or saying they do but refusing to share it, say otherwise a national security risk. They're concerned that since Tiktok is owned by Byte Dance, a Chinese company, that the CCP would be able to request US user data whenever they want. The Tiktok CEO has stated multiple that that's not the case, and that no US user data is even stored in China.

It's also pretty obvious that companies like Google, and Meta were lobbying the government to ban it because many people preferred it over things like Facebook and X. Hell Instagram basically copied Tiktoks format with their Reels.

You do know that you can search for what you want to watch instead of just watching what you are given right? I haven't seen any women twerking or dumb teens doing internet trends. Just asking...

TikTok is owned by a Chinese company that has access to our private information/network. This includes any sensitive information you have stored on your phone like passwords, bank accounts, etc. BUT America also has access to our private information through their own America based apps.

That's the main reason for the ban, but American companies are also mad about the profits and manipulating social media. They want to be the ones to control what we are exposed to, and all their stocks are in American based companies so they're a bit angry about it.

Personally, I see both sides. I understand them not wanting China to have our info like that, but I also think it's a double edged sword. I enjoy TikTok and I'm aware of the risks so I'd like the option to choose my own risks.