I think it's still an important tool. Even though the tale isn't new, TikTok is a modern and popular way for those younger generations to share their opinions on debated topics. I think that's why banning the app has been viewed so intensely as suppressing voices. In earlier decades there was no global app with an information spout that could be turned on and off per region.
Actually, foreign companies are banned from owning more than 25% ownership of a tv and radio broadcast licenses in the US. And that law exists for this exact same reason, to avoid a situation where another country has the ability to control media consumed by the US.
Its a tool. Flawed tool by design, the flaw is obvious to some and not to others, yet all experience it. Tool that have many similar tools as competition, albeit none is exactly the same.
TikTok and only TikTok an 'important tool'? Not unless you are somehow invested in it, or if you consciously make it one.
The fact that young generations want to share details of their lives is fine and TBH who cares, but platform to do so basically doesn't matter. If it would be banned 10 others would fill the gap on the market in days. If its really an 'important tool'.
