How A TikTok Insider Sees The Ban And The Bigger Tech Rivalries

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As TikTok faces increasing pressure, particularly in the U.S., to be banned over national security concerns, one former employee has shed light on what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Arman, a former TikTok employee for two years, made waves by offering unique insights into the platform’s internal dynamics and the political landscape surrounding its potential ban. According to him, the app’s engineers are world-class, but not necessarily in the way many might think.

In one of the comments, Arman was asked about TikTok’s engineers, with a user praising them as some of the best in the world. His response? “Top engineers are irreplaceable, quite literally.” It’s no surprise, then, that many of them are creating their own apps.

However, Arman clarified that they’re not developing direct competitors to TikTok. This speaks to the nature of competition within the tech space, with TikTok itself in a constant battle with the likes of Meta.

He also commented on the immense value of TikTok’s algorithm, calling it “without question, the most valuable piece of software in existence.” He added that the platform’s system is fault-tolerant and highly available, which makes it nearly impossible for big tech companies to bring it down.

His comments further suggest a conspiracy theory regarding the ban, claiming that it was strategically timed to allow former and incoming US President Donald Trump to position himself as the hero.

In response to a growing number of conspiracy theories surrounding TikTok’s data security and its alleged ties to the Chinese government, Arman is blunt: “As much of a national security risk as Meta products.” This mirrors what many critics have been saying for a while—targeting TikTok could be more about geopolitical power plays than actual security risks.

But the national security debate isn’t the only hot topic in the thread. Some users asked about TikTok’s controversial revenue-sharing model, where creators receive 50% of earnings—significantly higher than many other platforms. Arman argued that a TikTok view isn’t worth as much as those on other platforms, making the higher share more justifiable.

There’s also been an ongoing debate about whether TikTok’s content strategy differs between the U.S. and China. Arman clarified, “American and Chinese apps are very different,” alluding to the stark differences in the type of content promoted on each platform.

While U.S. TikTok feeds are often seen as focusing on entertainment and viral challenges, China’s version allegedly prioritises educational content.

When asked if he’d let his children use TikTok, his answer was firm: “Hardest no possible.” His response shows the growing concerns among parents and tech insiders alike about the app’s content and potential risks for younger users.

In the face of these challenges, TikTok’s rival, Meta, is eagerly awaiting the platform’s downfall. According to Arman, Meta is “preying for TikTok’s downfall,” possibly hoping to capture the audience it loses if TikTok is banned.

Meanwhile, some users are left wondering: if TikTok is so dangerous, why is Meta still allowed to thrive?

The potential ban of TikTok is more of a geopolitical and economic chess game. Arman’s insights provide a fascinating, if somewhat troubling, look into the future of TikTok and the global tech wars.