TikTok, a China-based social media platform, is expected to continue operating normally in Mexico, despite security concerns raised in the US.
The Mexican government has stated that there is no valid reason to ban the platform, as it could be seen as a violation of freedom of speech rights.
(Also, did you know that you can Buy TikTok Followers Cheap?)
(Click here to learn How to Buy TikTok Followers)
Is TikTok Banned in Mexico?
No. TikTok is not banned in Mexico. The Mexican parliament was talking about banning TikTok a few years back because the TikTok app promotes immoral content, but they decided to not ban it in the end.
During his morning conference, President López Obrador stated that his government would not prohibit the use of the Chinese app for government officials. This decision contrasts with the measures taken by several western countries, including the US, Canada, France, and the UK, which have banned government employees from using the app on their official devices. The rationale behind these bans is the concern that the app could potentially facilitate spying activities, thereby benefiting the Chinese government.
President López Obrador stated that in Mexico, there are no restrictions and they prioritize freedom of thought and expression, emphasizing that they do not prohibit anything.
López Obrador has spoken about social media before. In November 2022, Elon Musk, CEO of Twitter, held a 24-hour poll on the platform to reinstate former US President Donald Trump. López Obrador had criticized Twitter for banning Trump. In late October 2022, as Musk took control of Twitter, the Mexican leader asked him to fix the damage caused by canceling Trump’s account.
Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, recently faced questioning from members of the US House of Representatives regarding concerns over data security. Given that TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a major Asian technology company, US officials are worried about the potential access the Chinese Communist Party may have to user data. As a result, the US government is attempting to persuade ByteDance to sell its shares to a US-based company.
According to We Are Social, there are over 57 million active TikTok accounts in Mexico. TikTok is the third most used social media platform in the country, with a 14.1% user base. Mexican politicians, especially those from the ruling party Morena, utilize TikTok extensively. For example, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard has over 1 million followers on the platform. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has 870,000 followers, and former President of the Supreme Court Arturo Saldivar has over 560,000 followers. Mexican politicians use TikTok to engage with younger audiences and communicate their responsibilities.
The Mexican government has stated that it will not prohibit the use of TikTok, despite the United States considering a potential ban on the app due to security concerns.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador expressed his commitment to “complete freedom” when asked about the platform during his regular morning news conference, following the recent questioning of TikTok’s chief executive by U.S. lawmakers.
Certain U.S. lawmakers are urging the government to consider a ban on the app, citing concerns about potential data collection, content censorship, and negative effects on children’s mental health.
According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the United States has not provided any evidence to support the claim that TikTok poses a threat to national security.
Canada recently implemented a ban on the app from government-issued devices, citing concerns regarding privacy and security.
Security concerns about the TikTok app linked to the Chinese Government
Several other countries and entities have chosen to prohibit TikTok.
ThePrint ValueAd Initiative content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.