VPN Demand Skyrockets After TikTok Ban
In just 72 hours, TikTok nearly faced a ban in the United States, sparking a surge in VPN usage. The app appears to be safe for now, reigniting the debate over data privacy.
TikTok’s Turmoil: From Shutdown to Reopening
The past 72 hours have seen a whirlwind of activity for TikTok. Initially bracing for a shutdown last Friday, the app now appears to be accessible again. Throughout the weekend, numerous Americans sought ways to maintain access to the app despite the looming ban, with searches for the best VPNs skyrocketing as a viable workaround.
The Surge in VPN Usage
In the week of January 13, 2025, as TikTok’s ban loomed closer, millions of Americans frantically looked for ways to keep accessing this popular video-sharing app. Using a VPN to hide one’s IP address was widely regarded as the best option for those wishing to continue their TikTok use. Consequently, searches and demand for VPNs in the U.S. surged dramatically. Search terms like “VPN” or “TikTok VPN” spiked overnight but saw a significant drop by Sunday.
Did VPNs Work?
Were VPNs effective in bypassing the ban? According to various reports from the U.S., VPNs alone did not enable users to circumvent the block, and TikTok remained inaccessible. TikTok states that it uses your SIM card and IP address to determine your location, so even with a masked IP, a U.S.-registered phone number could still reveal your location and block your access to the app.
TikTok’s Return
The frantic dash to VPNs in a desperate attempt to unlock TikTok turned out to be unnecessary, as the app appears to be making a comeback. Just as quickly as it had vanished, numerous reports from the U.S. indicate that access to the app is being restored nationwide. This follows a statement from Donald Trump at a rally on Sunday saying, “We need to save it”, and his promise to sign an executive order to delay the ban.
The Data Privacy Concern
Although TikTok’s ban appears to have been reversed, the initial move to ban it marks a troubling step in the wrong direction for the future of data privacy. Many data privacy experts were deeply concerned about the implications of the measures being considered and why they were misguided.