Digital Anarchy and Security Dilemmas: Unraveling the TikTok Controversy in the Landscape of Cyber Realism and Hegemony Struggles between the United States and China
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24269/ars.v13i2.10373Abstract
This study delves into the intricate digital geopolitical dynamics surrounding the contentious relationship between TikTok and the United States (US) by employing the lens of cyber realism. The analysis focuses on the intricate interplay of digital anarchy, security dilemmas, and digital hegemony between the two entities. TikTok, originating from a Chinese company, faces scrutiny due to perceived threats to security and privacy. Within the framework of digital anarchy, characterized by the absence of a central governing authority in cyberspace, the TikTok case underscores the dynamic interplay of uncertainty and competition between US national interests and China’s quest for digital dominance. The dilemma faced by the US lies in the imperative to secure national interests while preserving freedom and innovation in the digital era. Amidst the pursuit of digital hegemony, the US aims to sustain its pivotal role in the digital landscape, interpreting TikTok’s expansion as a strategic move by China to extend influence and control over user data. Employing secondary data collection methods, including library research, this study reveals the US’s responses to these challenges, involving attempts to restrict TikTok’s operations within its borders, such as the ban on TikTok’s operation and endeavors to gain control of its US operations. However, subsequent revelations indicate the inaccuracy of the US’s allegations against TikTok.
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Buchanan, B. (2016). The cybersecurity dilemma: Hacking, trust, and fear between nations. Oxford University Press.
Chaudhari, D. D., & Pawar, A. V. (2021). Propaganda analysis in social media: a bibliometric review. Information Discovery and Delivery, 49(1), 57-70.
Dogrul, M., Aslan, A., & Celik, E. (2011). Developing an international cooperation on cyber defense and deterrence against cyber terrorism. In 2011 3rd International Conference on Cyber Conflict (pp. 1-15). IEEE.
Farkas, J., Schou, J., & Neumayer, C. (2018). Cloaked Facebook pages: Exploring fake Islamist propaganda in social media. New Media & Society, 20(5), 1850-1867.
Farkas, J. (2018). Disguised propaganda on social media: Addressing democratic dangers and solutions. Brown J. World Aff., 25, 1.
Fattedad, S. C., DeVito, M., Góes, Y., Khorenyan, M., & Milgrim, L. (2022). Towards A Global Digital Governance Architecture. New York City: New York University.
Figliola, P. M. (2020). TikTok: Technolgy Overview and Issues. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46543#:~:text=On%20August%206%20and%20August,TikTok%20in%20the%20United%20States.
Fung, B. (2023). TikTok collects a lot of data. but that’s not the main reason officials say it’s a security risk CNN business. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/24/tech/tiktok-ban-national-security-hearing/index.html
Gray, J. E. (2021). The geopolitics of" platforms": The TikTok challenge. Internet policy review, 10(2), 1-26
Hinds, Joanne; Williams, Emma J.; Joinson, Adam N. (2020). “It wouldn’t happen to meâ€: Privacy concerns and perspectives following the Cambridge Analytica scandal. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 102498–. doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2020.102498
Horowitz, M. C., Allen, G. C., Kania, E. B., & Scharre, P. (2022). Strategic competition in an era of artificial intelligence. Center for a New American Security.
Iqbal, M. (2021). TikTok revenue and usage statistics (2021). Business of apps, 1(1).
Jayakumar, S. (Ed.). (2016). State, Society and National Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century.
Jervis, R. (1978). Cooperation under the security dilemma. World politics, 30(2), 167-214.
Kusumawardhani, E., & Sari, D. S. (2021). Gelombang pop culture tik-tok: studi kasus amerika serikat, jepang, india dan indonesia. Padjadjaran Journal of International Relations, 3(1), 19.
Koleson, J. (2020). TikTok is on the clock, will democracy stop?
Maheshwari, S., McCabe, D., & Kang, C. (2023, March 23). Lawmakers Blast TikTok’s C.E.O. for App’s Ties to China, Escalating Tensions. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/technology/tiktok-hearing-congress-china.html
Manjikian, J. D. (2018). Cyberrealism and International Relations. Oxford University Press.
McGuire, M. (2018). Beyond flatland: when smart cities make stupid citizens. City, Territory and Architecture, 5(1), 22.
Miao, W., Huang, D., & Huang, Y. (2023). More than business: The de-politicisation and re-politicisation of TikTok in the media discourses of China, America and India (2017–2020). Media International Australia, 186(1), 97-114.
Murray, S., & Tama, J. (2017). US Foreign Policymaking and National Security.
Mozur, P., Mac, R., & amp; Che, C. (2022). TikTok browser can track users’ keystrokes, according to New Research. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/technology/tiktok-browser-tracking.html
Morgenthau, H. J. (1973). Politics among nations.
Pertiwi, W. K. (2022). Aktivitas browsing TikTok disebut Bisa Dipantau, Begini Cara Cek Apakah Pengguna terdampak Atau Tidak. KOMPAS.com. https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2022/08/22/17030037/aktivitas-browsing-tiktok-disebut-bisa-dipantau-begini-cara-cek-apakah-pengguna
Rolf, S., & Schindler, S. (2023). The US–China rivalry and the emergence of state platform capitalism. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 55(5), 1255-1280
Shin, J., Jian, L., Driscoll, K., & Bar, F. (2017). Political rumoring on Twitter during the 2012 US presidential election: Rumor diffusion and correction. New media & society, 19(8), 1214-1235.
Singer, P. W., & Friedman, A. (2014). Cybersecurity and cyberwar: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press.
Supak, G. (2020). Political Posturing or a Move towards" Net Nationalism?": The Legality of a TikTok Ban and Why Foreign Tech Companies Should Be Paying Attention. NCJL & Tech., 22, 527.
Thorbecke, C., & Fung, B. (2023). The US government is once again threatening to ban TikTok. What you should know. Retrieved from CNN Business: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/18/tech/tiktok-ban-explainer
Vidyarthi, A., & Hulvey, R. (2021). Building Digital Walls and Making Speech and Internet Freedom (or Chinese Technology) Pay for It: An Assessment of the US Government's Attempts to Ban TikTok, WeChat, and Other Chinese Technology. Indian JL & Tech., 17, 1.
Waltz, K. (2010). Theory of International Politics. Waveland.
Williams, R. D. (2021). Beyond Huawei and TikTok: Untangling US concerns over Chinese tech companies and digital security. Retrieved from Brookings: https://www.brookings.edu/research/beyond-huawei-and-tiktok-untangling-us-concerns-over-chinese-tech-companies-and-digital-security/
Weise, K. (2020). Why the U.S. Is Saying ‘No Way’ to TikTok’s Midnight Train to Washington. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/business/economy/tiktok-deal-explained.html
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2024-12-18
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