President Trump escalated his threat towards social media app TikTok with an executive order banning it in the US by mid-September unless it is taken over by an American company. All for allegedly posing a national security threat to the country. This report delves into the American public’s view of these ongoing developments. Brands and policymakers can leverage this data in their decision making.

The curtain may come down on the widely popular video-sharing app TikTok unless its ongoing talks with Microsoft and Twitter result in a formal deal. The move, however, has business circles abuzz with talks of possible repercussions for American firms, especially in China. Amid President Trump’s offensive against the country ever since the pandemic, how valid is the reasoning behind TikTok’s imminent ban, and is its potential buyout the right way forward? Piplsay polled 30,499 Americans nationwide to get their opinions. Here’s a summary of what we found:

Other Insights

• 13% of men and 9% of women have stopped using TikTok amid security concerns
• 61% of Millennials support the ban on TikTok as compared to just 39% of Gen Zers
• 27% of Gen Xers and 22% of Millennials believe the US should not buy or invest in Chinese companies
• 61% of men are excited about the launch of Instagram Reels as compared to just 29% of women

Survey Methodology: This Piplsay survey (powered by Market Cube) was conducted nationwide in the US from August 11-12, 2020. We received 30,499 online responses from individuals aged 18 years and older.