Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed national security concerns over TikTok, asking rhetorically, “Is it that important for China to be spying on young people? On young kids watching crazy videos?” His remarks mark a stark departure from his earlier attempts to ban the app during his presidency over fears of Chinese espionage.

In 2020, Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok in the U.S., citing concerns that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could provide sensitive user data to Beijing. The order claimed TikTok’s data collection posed risks, including tracking government employees, blackmail, and corporate espionage. While the ban failed, concerns over TikTok’s potential misuse have persisted among U.S. lawmakers and security experts.

Evolving Security Concerns

Since Trump’s executive order, bipartisan support has grown for measures to curb TikTok’s influence. State and federal agencies, as well as the military, have restricted employees from downloading the app on work devices. In 2022, Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a potential ban, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court on national security grounds.

Despite these measures, experts argue that banning TikTok or forcing a sale may not fully protect U.S. user data. Many websites and apps collect similar data—such as location, search history, and purchase patterns—which is readily available for purchase through data brokers. “The Chinese government can simply buy U.S. user data from data brokers,” said Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Additionally, China’s advanced cyber-espionage capabilities have enabled the country to target U.S. government networks and critical infrastructure, raising broader concerns about data security.

Algorithm Manipulation Fears

Beyond data collection, lawmakers worry about ByteDance’s ability to manipulate TikTok’s algorithm to spread Chinese propaganda or disinformation. Although TikTok has denied allegations of Beijing’s influence over its content, experts highlight that Chinese state actors have previously exploited U.S.-owned social media platforms to disseminate disinformation.

Trump’s Reversal and Proposed Solution

Trump’s recent comments suggest a shift in his stance. He floated the idea of a 50-50 joint U.S.-China ownership of TikTok, though it’s unclear if such an arrangement would satisfy security requirements outlined in the sale-or-ban law.

Some analysts speculate that Trump’s change of heart could stem from his personal use of the platform or perceptions that China’s global influence has diminished. However, others caution that China’s continued interest in accessing U.S. data and influencing public opinion remains a pressing concern.

TikTok’s Efforts to Address Concerns

TikTok has taken steps to address U.S. fears, including storing American user data on Oracle-owned servers and allowing third-party monitors to review its systems. However, experts remain skeptical about whether these measures can completely sever Beijing’s influence.

As the debate continues, the broader implications of data privacy, algorithmic control, and national security remain at the forefront of the TikTok controversy.

With TikTok facing a likely ban in the United States within three days, users across the country are preemptively bidding farewell to the platform and exploring alternatives. The uncertainty has sparked a surge in downloads of both new and existing short-form video apps, as users, including influencers, prepare for the potential shutdown.

Influencer Jasmine Chiswell, who boasts 18 million TikTok followers, posted a video on Tuesday lamenting the app’s impending ban. “Me saying goodbye to 18 million best friends because TikTok is getting banned,” read her caption, accompanied by sad emojis.

Countdown to Ban Sparks Anxiety

The fear intensified after The Information reported late Tuesday that TikTok may shut down entirely for U.S. users by Sunday unless it secures a Supreme Court reprieve or finds an American owner. Earlier, many assumed the app would simply be removed from app stores, allowing current users temporary access.

The looming ban stems from U.S. national security concerns over TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, and the potential sharing of American user data with Beijing.

Rise of TikTok Alternatives

Amid the uncertainty, several lesser-known platforms have gained traction. Apps like RedNote (known as Xiaohongshu), Lemon8, Clapper, Flip, and Fanbase have seen significant downloads in recent days.

RedNote, a China-based app similar to Instagram, has climbed to the top of app store charts. Many U.S. users joined RedNote as a form of protest against the government’s actions. “Take away TikTok, and we’ll just use another Chinese app,” declared one user in a video. The influx of American users on RedNote has sparked humorous cultural exchanges, with users offering Mandarin lessons and sharing slang.

Lemon8, another ByteDance-owned platform, has also gained popularity. Previously marketed to U.S. users in early 2023, Lemon8 offers a Pinterest-like interface with lifestyle content. However, like TikTok, these apps could also face future restrictions under U.S. laws targeting platforms owned by “foreign adversaries.”

Non-Chinese platforms, such as Clapper and Flip, are also gaining momentum. Clapper, which includes live audio conversations, reported 1.4 million new users this week. Flip, a shopping-focused app, experienced such rapid growth that it faced temporary outages.

Mainstream Platforms Struggle to Match TikTok’s Appeal

While mainstream platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts stand to benefit, many users argue they lack TikTok’s magic. TikTok’s algorithm, which uniquely predicts users’ preferences, remains unmatched. Creators have expressed concerns about losing TikTok’s authentic community and monetization tools, such as TikTok Shop.

“TikTok favors realism,” said creator Stormi Steele. “It’s about being authentic, and people resonate with that.”

As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, its users continue to search for a platform that replicates its unmatched features and community spirit.

China has launched an antitrust investigation into U.S. chipmaker Nvidia, the world’s leading producer of processors critical to artificial intelligence (AI), according to Chinese state media.

The probe, reported by China Central Television on Monday, centers on Nvidia’s 2020 acquisition of Israeli networking company Mellanox. While China had approved the merger at the time, authorities now suspect it may violate the country’s anti-monopoly laws. Specific allegations regarding the merger’s impact remain unclear.

Nvidia and the AI Revolution

Nvidia’s chips have become essential to powering the global AI boom. The company’s stock has surged nearly 200% this year, fueled by skyrocketing demand, and its market valuation exceeds $3 trillion, second only to Apple. Despite the investigation, Nvidia’s shares dipped less than 2% in premarket trading on Monday.

The investigation represents a new flashpoint in the intensifying U.S.-China battle over semiconductor dominance, which both nations view as a critical component of national security and future economic power.

Growing U.S.-China Tensions

The probe comes shortly after the U.S. imposed its third round of restrictions on high-tech memory chip sales to China, part of broader efforts to curb Beijing’s AI development. U.S. officials fear China could leverage AI technology for military advancements.

China has criticized the export controls, describing them as a “significant threat” to global supply chains. In response, Beijing last week banned the export of key materials, including germanium and gallium, essential for semiconductor manufacturing.

This follows earlier restrictions on these materials, which had allowed limited sales through loopholes. Those exceptions have now been closed.

Strategic Moves on Both Sides

In tandem with imposing restrictions, both nations are ramping up domestic chip production to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

The U.S. has invested billions through the CHIPS Act to boost its semiconductor industry, funneling funds to companies like Intel. Meanwhile, China recently announced its largest-ever semiconductor state investment fund of $47.5 billion, backed by major state-owned banks.

Nvidia Under Global Scrutiny

The investigation into Nvidia also highlights its global influence and challenges. The company is already under antitrust scrutiny in the United States, according to Bloomberg.

As Nvidia symbolizes the forefront of the AI revolution, any setbacks from Chinese regulatory action could hinder its ambitions to dominate AI technology worldwide.

The U.S.-China chip conflict underscores the geopolitical stakes of semiconductor technology, with both countries vying for supremacy in a sector that underpins modern economies and defense capabilities.