Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by zmmmmm 2100 days ago
Half of this rationale seems to assume that TikTok can't modify the app to work independently of Play Services. But that is completely something they could do. In fact, I'd assume they have a Chinese version already developed with separate infrastructure. Not sure why it is assumed that is so hard. It would be fascinating to see what would happen if a super popular app like that went all in on a side loaded distribution mechanism.
1 comments
patrickaljord 2100 days ago
Another issue is that TikTok relies on advertising for revenue and if US companies are banned from doing business with TikTok, they would need to run the app at a loss in the US at least. They could use their revenues from the rest of the world and the Chinese government to survive in the US. Not clear how that would affect TikTok sponsored influencers.

Either way, the US could order ISPs to block TikTok servers, this would require a VPN and would kill TikTok for normies.

link
zmmmmm 2100 days ago
> Either way, the US could order ISPs to block TikTok servers

Do you think there is any legal mechanism by which they can actually order ISPs to block a server? While blocking financial transactions has plenty of precedent, I'm not sure there is any for straight up blocking communication which looks a lot more like free speech. Especially with no basis in evidence to support actual wrong-doing.

link
lotsofpulp 2100 days ago
Based on what I've seen in the past few decades, all you need to say are the magic words "national security" to justify anything and everything.
link
patrickaljord 2100 days ago
I wouldn't say "national security" are the magic words. When Trump tried the Muslim ban it was overturned, same for building the wall which was justified by "national security".

I think the magic happens when the issue is bipartisan, which is the case here as both parties are anti-China. When an issue is supported by both parties then it will pass 100% with no obstacles from the constitution or any laws.

link
TMWNN 2099 days ago
> Another issue is that TikTok relies on advertising for revenue and if US companies are banned from doing business with TikTok, they would need to run the app at a loss in the US at least. They could use their revenues from the rest of the world and the Chinese government to survive in the US.

Wouldn't work. US is 10% of user base but half of TikTok's revenue. The company is unprofitable so it needs all the revenue and revenue growth it can get.

>Not clear how that would affect TikTok sponsored influencers.

The vast majority of the top TikTok accounts, from Charli D'Amelio on down, are American. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most-followed_TikTok_a...

Trump knows this, which is why ultimately ByteDance (and China) had no choice but to acquiesce in order to stay in the US.

link