While the public is split on a broader TikTok ban in the United States, there is greater support for a narrower ban on government devices.
WHY IT MATTERS – Adults under the age of 30 are less likely to be extremely or very concerned compared with older adults about TikTok sharing American users’ data with the Chinese government.
THE NUMBERS –
According to polling data from AP-NORC:
- 56% of adults favor banning TikTok on government devices, such as phones and computers used by government employees.
- Those above the age of 30 are more likely to support bans on the use of TikTok, while 18-to-29-year-olds are more likely to oppose them.
- 6-in-10 adults are extremely or very concerned about the amount of time that children and teenagers spend on TikTok.
- 65% of Americans have heard or read at least some about TikTok.
- Those over 60 are less likely to be familiar with TikTok with over 50% hearing only a little or nothing about the platform compared to 28% of adults ages 18 to 59.
- 21% of adults use TikTok daily.
Among Americans under 30…
- 35% are extremely or very concerned about TikTok sharing U.S. user data with the Chinese government.
- 46% are extremely or very concerned about the spread of misinformation on TikTok.
- 52% are extremely or very concerned about the time children and teens spend on TikTok.
- 58% are extremely or very concerned that TikTok users will emulate dangerous or illegal behavior they observe on the app.
Among Americans over 30…
- 58% are extremely concerned about TikTok sharing U.S. user data with the Chinese government.
- 63% are extremely or very concerned about the spread of misinformation on TikTok.
- 65% are extremely or very concerned about the time children and teens spend on TikTok.
- 58% are extremely or very concerned that TikTok users will emulate dangerous or illegal behavior they observe on the app.
Among daily TikTok users…
- 25% are extremely or very concerned about U.S. user data being shared with the Chinese government.
- 41% are extremely or very concerned about the spread of misinformation on the app.
- 35% are extremely or very concerned about users emulating dangerous or illegal behaviors observed on TikTok.
- 41% are extremely or very concerned about the amount of time that children and teens spend on the platform.
THE BOTTOM LINE: While Americans were less sure on the question of completely banning TikTok, there is consensus regarding whether it should be on devices with access to sensitive government data.
FOR FURTHER READING: https://apnorc.org/projects/most-adults-support-banning-tiktok-on-government-devices/