Should TikTok Be Banned?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with this essential question: What are valid reasons—if any—for the government of a democracy to ban the use of something?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether the U.S. government should ban the use of TikTok. This is a timely issue because concerns have been raised as a result of TikTok being owned by a Chinese company.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (As a U.S. congressman, Mike Gallagher helps set national security policies and laws. As a law professor, Ryan Calo has an expert-level understanding of citizens’ rights as protected by the Constitution.)

• Analyze Gallagher’s view. (Gallagher argues in favor of banning TikTok. He says that since it is owned by a Chinese company, it is subject to the whims of the Chinese Communist Party. He says that the C.C.P. can use the app to spread misinformation and censor content it doesn’t want Americans to see.)

• Analyze Calo’s view. (Calo argues against banning TikTok. He says that there is no credible evidence that the company that owns TikTok is regularly sharing information with the Chinese government and that the Chinese government is capable of spying on Americans without TikTok. He says banning the app would set a terrible precedent for free speech.)

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Should TikTok be banned? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate.

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.