Extract from Jerry Bui’s article “The TikTok Example: Vulnerabilities in Modern Data Preservation Postures”
The recent legal challenges surrounding TikTok underscore the critical need for proactive data preservation strategies. With the U.S. government threatening a nationwide ban on TikTok, originally set to take effect on January 19, 2025, citing national security concerns, ongoing access to data hosted on the platform has become uncertain.
In January 2025, President Donald Trump intervened in the TikTok ban by issuing an executive order granting a 75-day reprieve, allowing the platform to continue operations while ownership issues were addressed. This move provided time for potential deals to be negotiated, aiming to resolve national security concerns associated with TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
Does Data on the Internet Really Live Forever?
It’s a common misconception that once something is on the internet, it’s there forever. Despite TikTok’s massive popularity, the platform could still face operational shutdowns due to regulatory concerns. Such situations highlight the risks of assuming data will always be available.
