TikTok Surges to 200 Million EU Users as US Ban Debate Intensifies

TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon across Europe, and the latest numbers only confirm how deeply the platform has embedded itself in everyday life. According to a new report, TikTok now boasts an impressive 200 million monthly active users within the European Union.

To put this into perspective, that means roughly one in every three people in the EU scrolls through an endless feed of short-form videos, whether it’s quirky clips about Labubu dolls, do-it-yourself manicure tutorials, or teenagers lip-syncing to popular songs and mimicking reality television stars.

This surge in popularity is staggering compared to last year. In 2024, TikTok reported around 175 million monthly active users across the EU. The leap to 200 million in just twelve months highlights not only the platform’s unstoppable growth but also its ability to maintain relevance in a crowded digital space. Globally, TikTok claims over a billion monthly users, reinforcing its role as one of the most influential apps in the social media landscape.

In the United States, however, the situation is far more uncertain. While estimates suggest around 170 million Americans use TikTok regularly, the platform’s future in the country hangs in the balance. Ongoing political debates, spearheaded by concerns over national security, have put TikTok under intense scrutiny. Former President Donald Trump has extended deadlines regarding the app’s operations, but the ultimatum remains clear: unless ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, sells the platform to a US-approved buyer, TikTok risks being banned in the American market altogether.

The push for divestment comes amid fears that the Chinese government could leverage TikTok to manipulate American political discourse or compromise sensitive user data. Intelligence officials and lawmakers have been vocal about these risks, while TikTok consistently maintains that it operates independently and is not subject to foreign government control. The company has also argued that forcing a sale could paradoxically make American user data less secure by disrupting existing safeguards.

This looming ban has ignited a passionate debate across the United States. Supporters of the app point to its undeniable role in fostering creativity, enabling small businesses to thrive, and offering a global stage for millions of creators. With hundreds of millions of videos shared daily, TikTok has become not just a platform but a launchpad for cultural trends, music careers, and online communities. Critics, however, remain unconvinced. They argue that TikTok’s design encourages compulsive usage, raises mental health concerns among young audiences, and often spreads questionable or low-quality content that lacks oversight.

Whatever the outcome, the stakes are high. If TikTok continues to operate globally in its current form, it will likely cement its position as a dominant force in digital entertainment and marketing. Should the US enforce a ban or force a sale, however, the ripple effects would be enormous, impacting not only its 170 million American users but also the broader ecosystem of influencers, advertisers, and policymakers worldwide. Europe, for now, remains a safe haven for TikTok’s explosive growth, but the global debate over the platform’s future is far from settled.

Meanwhile, in a lighter vein, nostalgia is making its way back into the tech scene. Later this year, a beautifully illustrated book titled Iconic Phones will hit the shelves. Designed for enthusiasts and casual readers alike, the book promises a colorful journey through two decades of memorable mobile phones that changed the way we communicate. From quirky designs to groundbreaking innovations, Iconic Phones is positioned as a collector’s item for anyone who has ever felt a sense of attachment to their old handset. For those who grew up during the mobile revolution, it is sure to strike a nostalgic chord while offering fresh appreciation of how far technology has come.