The initial hours of the US TikTok ban revealed a stringent approach by the platform, effectively blacking out US versions of the app and blocking US-linked accounts irrespective of location data like IP address or SIM card information. Simply using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) proved insufficient to bypass these restrictions for US accounts. However, early indications suggested that utilizing a non-US TikTok account on a device without a US SIM card, combined with a VPN, allowed access. Similarly, accessing TikTok through a desktop browser or the Tor Browser with a non-US account and a VPN also appeared successful, though the desktop version offers a more limited experience compared to the mobile app. This contrasted with the methods used to circumvent similar bans in other countries, like India, where removing the SIM card and using a VPN was often enough due to the ban’s reliance on SIM card and IP address-based filtering.
The effectiveness of these initial workarounds highlighted the complex interplay between user accounts, device information, and network routing in enforcing the ban. While VPNs mask a user’s IP address, routing internet traffic through servers in different locations, TikTok’s measures appeared to go further, potentially linking accounts to specific devices and US-based registration information, making circumvention more challenging for US users even when employing a VPN. This aggressive approach suggested a commitment to enforcing the ban, going beyond simple geolocation restrictions.
The underlying technical mechanism of these restrictions likely involves a multi-layered approach. Beyond IP address and SIM card checks, TikTok might be employing device fingerprinting, which analyzes various device characteristics to create a unique identifier. This allows the platform to recognize and block previously identified US devices, even if the IP address is masked by a VPN. Moreover, account registration data, including phone numbers and email addresses associated with the US, could be used to further solidify the block. This multifaceted approach renders simple VPN usage ineffective and necessitates more complex workarounds, like using entirely separate devices and non-US accounts.
VPNs, while often associated with circumventing geo-restrictions on streaming services or bypassing censorship in authoritarian regimes, are a crucial tool in this context. They function by redirecting internet traffic through servers located globally, allowing users to select an IP address from a different location than their physical one. This creates a virtual presence in the chosen location, masking the user’s real origin. In the context of the TikTok ban, US users attempt to use VPNs to appear as if they are accessing the internet from outside the US, thereby bypassing the location-based restrictions. An added benefit of VPNs is the increased privacy they offer by obscuring browsing data from internet service providers (ISPs), making it more difficult for ISPs to track online activity. Instead of seeing a detailed list of visited websites, the ISP only sees a connection to the VPN server.
However, the use of VPNs is not without its complexities. Some commercial VPN providers log user browsing history, essentially transferring the data collection responsibility from ISPs to the VPN companies. This practice negates the privacy benefits and subjects the data to potential requests from law enforcement. Therefore, choosing a reputable VPN provider with a clear no-logging policy, preferably backed by independent audits, is crucial. Free VPN services should generally be avoided, as they often carry greater risks, including potentially selling access to users’ internet connections. Selecting a trustworthy VPN provider adds a layer of complexity to the process of bypassing restrictions, requiring users to research and understand the privacy implications of their VPN choice.
Despite the initial workarounds discovered, TikTok’s efforts to block US users appear particularly robust, indicating a potential reliance on multiple layers of identification that go beyond IP addresses and SIM card information. Even combining a non-US SIM card or no SIM card with a VPN might not guarantee access for US-linked accounts. However, the long-term future of the ban remains uncertain. Despite the initial impetus from the US government and concerns around data security, there seems to be limited support for a permanent ban. Even former President Trump, who initially championed the idea, has expressed ambiguity about the ban’s permanence, suggesting the situation remains fluid and subject to change. This evolving political landscape adds another layer of uncertainty for users seeking to regain access to the platform.
