For years, it seemed like the looming threat of the popular social media platform TikTok being banned across the United States was nothing more than that; simply a looming threat. It wasn’t until January 18th, where Americans were being blocked from the app, that the ban became real.&nbsp;<img class="image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:43.75%;" src="https://files.rifo.co/CompanySite/164/164_image.png">Users began opening the app to a message indicating the platform will be unavailable due to the law passed by the USA banning TikTok, prompting users to close the app. They then gave Donald Trump a shoutout. The next day, TikTok was restored and another message popped up informing users that the platform is back in the USA “as a result of President Trump’s efforts.” Many Americans are confused as to why TikTok was being banned, why it’s back, and which president’s administration is responsible for the flip-flop.&nbsp;On January 20th, the first day of President Trump’s second presidential term, he signed an executive order delaying the enforcement of the ban for 75 days. The ban was authorized under the passing of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This Act would ban any social media platforms the President of the USA deems to be a “foreign adversary controlled application.” The Act reportedly considers a Chinese internet technology company, ByteDance Ltd, headquartered in Beijing, China. One of ByteDance’s subsidiaries is TikTok. The Act also no longer applies if the foreign adversary to the USA divests in the company and can no longer be said to be controlled by the foreign adversary. In other words, if the United States, for example, acquired the company, the ban would likely cease to apply. It was the Trump administration, back in 2020, that initially introduced the idea of banning TikTok for security reasons.&nbsp;The banning of TikTok in the United States has brought the issue to the attention of Canadians. First, the app is already banned from all government-issued devices after the chief information officer concluded that the app “presents an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security.” While the app isn’t banned for Canadian users, TikTok Technology Canada Inc was ordered to shut down their offices and operations in Canada back in November 2024. While TikTok argues this will have adverse impacts on the local economy given the hundreds who work there, Canada’s Innovation Minister stated that most of TikTok’s employees in Canada aren’t Canadian citizens and will have to leave the country after TikTok’s operations cease.&nbsp;When recently asked about a potential TikTok ban, the leader of Canada’s Conservative Party and likely the next Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, stated he has ordered conservative staff, MPs, and senators to “stay away from TikTok altogether.” He says using the app risks infiltration, espionage, and manipulation of the regime in Beijing. He stated he has nothing to announce right now but will be following the actions of the US closely.&nbsp;Unfortunately for the US government, it appears their citizens are one step ahead. The looming TikTok ban has caused Americans to flee to the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, called RedNote. The TikTok replacement was born. As a Canadian who downloaded the app due to nosiness, the format of RedNote is practically identical, except most people from Canada and the USA cannot read nor speak Chinese. The company responded in lightning-fast fashion to create a translation function. The RedNote users are very hospitable and kind, with two Chinese RedNote users commenting a heart emoji and “LOL, cute” on a video of my cat.&nbsp;From a business perspective, we know that short videos really resonate with customers. They allow salespeople to get their message out in a very fun and entertaining way. Thay also allow the agent to introduce themselves and offer a sampling of their personality. While TikTok is not the only way to do this, the platform has increased in popularity and use in recent years. For real estate agents, TikTok has become more than just a social media platform—it’s a key tool for marketing. With its highly engaging short-form videos, agents have been able to showcase property listings, share market updates, and connect with potential clients in creative ways. TikTok allows agents to highlight their expertise, give virtual tours, and even share tips on buying or selling homes. The platform's algorithm makes it easier to reach a wide audience, particularly younger demographics who are beginning to enter the housing market. While TikTok isn’t the only tool for digital marketing, it has undeniably made a significant impact on how real estate professionals interact with their audience. Losing access to TikTok could push agents to explore other platforms, but replicating its unique reach and engagement may prove challenging.Saying goodbye to TikTok is hard for some people. Many people have learned many things they would not have ever heard of, had it not been for TikTok. It is a way for people to stay connected and in many cases have important conversations on politics and social life across the world. It seems that regardless of whether the government plans to do, internet users seem to have a way around it.&nbsp;Whether that way around ends up being temporary or permanent: we’ll have to wait for the 75 day clock to run out.

The TikTok Ban: Is Canada Next?

Find out how TikTok's potential ban impacts Canadians, from security concerns to real estate agents using the platform for marketing and client engagement

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