The Truth About TikTok Bans and VPN Workarounds

As the TikTok saga unfolds, captivating the attention of cybersecurity experts and governments, its users are left to grapple with the implications of the app’s US ban.

The evolution of the TikTok ban controversy

TikTok, a massively popular short-form video-hosting service renowned for its viral trends, recently suffered a nationwide ban in the United States.

Although the app’s ban was fueled by government concerns over potential data harvesting and influence peddling by TikTok’s parent company, China-based ByteDance, it only lasted one day.

On the first day of his term, President Trump signed an executive order suspending the ban's enforcement for 75 days.

Unfortunately, the app had already been removed from the Apple App Store and Google’s Play Store.

To complicate matters, both Google and Apple blocked ByteDance’s efforts to restore the app to their app stores in spite of the ban’s suspension, leaving users in the US unable to download it onto their devices.

Surge in ‘TikTok VPN’ searches

In advance of the ordeal, many users migrated to similar apps, while others started considering VPN solutions as a way to maintain access. However, a VPN may not be the silver bullet many assume it to be.

A spike in searches for “TikTok VPN” suggests that users are turning to Virtual Private Network providers to circumvent the new limitations.

VPNs can mask a user’s IP address, making it look like they are accessing the internet from a different location. This capability has led many to believe that a VPN can bypass nationwide restrictions and allow users to download or continue using TikTok unhampered.

Limitations of VPNs in this context

While VPNs can offer certain advantages, such as anonymous browsing and shielding traffic against prying eyes, it is important to understand their limitations in the context of TikTok restrictions.

• Legal implications: Attempting to bypass a government-imposed ban using a VPN may place you on the wrong side of the law. Legal experts caution that using a VPN to access TikTok after a ban could result in fines or other penalties.
• Technical issues: Trying to download and access TikTok through a VPN tunnel could prove challenging. Users have reported difficulties circumventing TikTok restrictions using VPNs, as the company has implemented extensive measures to counteract access from blocked regions.
• App Store restrictions: Even with a VPN, users can’t download or update TikTok if the app has been removed from the US App Store. Changing the App Store region might be an option, but it comes with its own set of challenges and potential violations of terms of service.

Understanding the importance of VPNs

While a VPN might not be able to fully circumvent nationwide restrictions like the TikTok ban, its value extends far beyond such scenarios.

Considering recent reports of increasing privacy violations, rampant data harvesting, and growing cybersecurity risks, VPNs have become essential tools for users looking to safeguard their digital persona.

A trustworthy VPN service:

• Keeps your online activity private: Through encryption, a VPN prevents Internet Service Providers (ISPs), threat actors and others from tracking your online activities.
• Unlocks regional restrictions: Whether you’re trying to access streaming platforms or websites blocked in your country, a VPN lets you connect to servers in different locations and enjoy unrestricted access.
• Protects you on public Wi-Fi networks: Public networks are notorious for their lack of security and innate vulnerabilities. A VPN secures your connection, protecting sensitive information like passwords and banking details.
• Masks your location: By cloaking your IP address, a VPN makes it harder for websites, advertisers, malicious actors and others to pinpoint your physical location.

These features make VPNs indispensable for anyone prioritizing online security and freedom. For users exploring reliable solutions, Bitdefender Premium VPN offers a robust combination of speed, security, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for safeguarding your digital activities.