I think a big part of the objection over banning TikTok is that we, in the US, feel we should be able to make our own choices when it comes to social media (and most everything). Banning an app is antithetical to freedom.
Never said it was -- if you follow the thread you'll see I was replying to someone pointing out that China has banned US social networks. The implication being that true US banning TikTok would only be fair, or something like that.
> We already ban a ton of stuff.
We do... and those bans do limit freedom, by definition. We've accepted that in a lot of cases -- few are arguing that child porn should be anything but banned, for example -- but I doubt we'd accept a government ban or restriction on, say, League of Legends simply because kids spend too much time on it (China places restrictions on time of day and duration).
> Never said it was -- if you follow the thread you'll see I was replying to someone pointing out that China has banned US social networks. The implication being that true US banning TikTok would only be fair, or something like that.
You replied to me. I simply said this is not unfair.
> ban or restriction on, say, League of Legends simply
Stepping away from hypotheticals: A lot of countries have restrictions on what you and you can't do with govt resources. E.g., there are restrictions on what carriers you can use if you fly with govt. funding. Other countries have similar rules. There is nothing wrong or unfair or "freedom limiting" with the US govt banning a likely foreign govt. controlled app from govt. devices.
You are still free to use TikTok even if you are a govt employee on your private device.
This is the well known paradox of tolerance.
It is necessary for a free society to ban certain things.
Our govt already mandates a lot.
> Banning an app is antithetical to freedom.
No it isn't. We already ban a ton of stuff. Suddenly, freedom lovers have woken up and are complaining because we banned TikTok on govt. devices.