The push to ban TikTok in the Philippines, largely influenced by similar actions in the United States, seems to stem from growing concerns about data privacy, national security, and foreign influence. However, these concerns are often based on speculation and a lack of clear evidence that TikTok poses any greater threat than other social media platforms. Like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, TikTok collects vast amounts of user data for advertising purposes. The focus on TikTok alone neglects the fact that Western tech giants, which also harvest and monetize user data, have been allowed to operate without similar scrutiny. If data privacy is the main issue, then the solution should not be a ban on a single platform, but rather a more comprehensive examination of how all social media platforms, regardless of their country of origin, manage user data. The emphasis on TikTok alone risks creating a false narrative that ignores the broader and more systemic issue of digital privacy violations, which is far more pervasive across the entire tech industry.
The Philippines already has a strong legal framework in place to regulate digital privacy — specifically, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 — which provides the necessary tools to protect citizens from misuse of their personal information. Rather than banning TikTok, the government should focus on effectively enforcing these laws and holding all tech companies accountable for data protection violations. This approach would allow the government to address privacy concerns without resorting to the extreme measure of censorship. Banning TikTok would not solve the larger problem of digital security; it would only serve to limit access to a popular platform used by millions of Filipinos for business, education, and entertainment. Instead of focusing on an outright ban, the Philippines should seize the opportunity to strengthen its digital literacy programs, enhance transparency in data collection practices, and ensure that existing regulations are enforced to protect citizens’ privacy on all platforms.
TikTok Isn’t the Only One Collecting Data
The argument that TikTok should be banned due to its Chinese ownership and alleged security risks is based on a selective and inconsistent approach to digital privacy concerns. While TikTok’s data collection practices have certainly raised alarms, it is essential to recognize that similar data harvesting occurs across the board with other major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, all of which are owned by US-based companies. These platforms, like TikTok, collect and monetize vast amounts of personal data through sophisticated algorithms that track user behavior, preferences, and interactions. In fact, these Western tech giants have been involved in numerous privacy scandals, such as Facebook’s data-sharing issues and Google’s tracking practices. Given these widespread practices, it is clear that data privacy concerns should apply universally, not just to platforms based in one particular country. To single out TikTok while ignoring the actions of US-based companies would undermine the consistency of the argument and create an unfair double standard.
If the real concern is data privacy and the potential misuse of personal information, then banning TikTok without addressing the practices of other platforms would be both hypocritical and ineffective. The larger issue lies not in the country of ownership, but in the fundamental business models of social media companies that rely on data surveillance for profit. Rather than focusing on one company, the Philippine government should adopt a more comprehensive approach to regulating all platforms, ensuring they comply with strict data privacy laws and guidelines. This would hold all companies accountable, regardless of their geographic origins, and prevent selective enforcement based on geopolitical factors. By treating all tech companies equally, the Philippines can protect its citizens’ data without resorting to politically motivated actions that target only specific platforms.
The Philippines Already Has a Strong Data Privacy Law
Unlike the United States, which lacks a comprehensive federal data protection law, the Philippines has the Data Privacy Act of 2012. This legislation provides a strong legal framework to regulate data collection and processing, including foreign-owned platforms like TikTok. Instead of banning the app, the government should focus on enforcing these existing laws to ensure that all tech companies — regardless of their country of origin — comply with national data protection standards.
No Clear Evidence of Harm
To justify a ban, there needs to be compelling evidence that TikTok is actively harming national security or Philippine citizens. So far, no such evidence has emerged. While concerns about misinformation, foreign influence, and data privacy are legitimate, these issues exist across all social media platforms. The solution is not to single out one app but to enhance digital literacy programs, strengthen cybersecurity policies, and hold all tech companies accountable.
A Ban Would Hurt Filipino Content Creators & Businesses
TikTok has become a major platform for Filipino entrepreneurs, artists, and influencers. Many small businesses rely on it to reach customers, while content creators use it as a primary source of income. A ban would negatively impact livelihoods without addressing the root issues of data privacy and security.
Instead of banning TikTok, the Philippine government should focus on improving enforcement of its data privacy laws, requiring greater transparency from all social media platforms, and educating users about digital security risks. If the concern is foreign influence, the best countermeasure is to empower citizens with critical thinking and media literacy rather than resorting to censorship.
The government should enforce its existing laws, demand accountability from all tech companies, and prioritize digital literacy. Addressing the broader issue of data privacy requires a fair and consistent approach, not selective restrictions based on geopolitical concerns. Banning TikTok in the Philippines is unnecessary and counterproductive.