Support for banning TikTok in the United States continues to decline as fewer Americans view the popular video-sharing platform as a security threat, according to new research. This comes as a potential second US ban looms on the horizon.
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that only 34% of American adults currently favor banning TikTok, marking a substantial drop from 50% in 2023. The study found that 32% actively oppose a ban, while 33% remain undecided.
Among ban supporters, the main concerns center around data security issues and the app's Chinese ownership through parent company ByteDance. Critics also point to the spread of misinformation and excessive screen time as additional reasons for restriction.
Those against the ban cite free speech concerns and insufficient evidence of actual security threats. Nearly half of ban opponents worry about the economic impact on content creators who rely on the platform for income.
Usage appears to heavily influence opinions - 45% of non-TikTok users support a ban, compared to just 12% of active users.
The platform faces another critical deadline on April 5, when a temporary reprieve from an earlier ban is set to expire. ByteDance could potentially avoid the shutdown by selling TikTok's US operations. The Trump administration has reported discussions with four potential buyers, though no deal has been finalized.
The shifting public sentiment comes at a pivotal moment as TikTok's fate in the US market hangs in the balance. With declining support for an outright ban, pressure mounts on both government officials and ByteDance to find a workable solution before the looming deadline.