TikTok's fate is up for debate, and honestly, it's about time we address the elephant in the room: ByteDance.

I'm a big fan of TikTok and staying in the U.S. It's become a hub for small businesses, creators, and cultural exchange. It's hard to overstate the platform's impact, from marketing campaigns to political activism. But let's not ignore the uncomfortable reality—ByteDance's ties to the CCP.

Here's where I stand:

• TikTok is worth keeping, but only if it's severed from ByteDance. A divestiture solves national security concerns while preserving 150 million Americans' platform.

• ByteDance dragging its feet on selling isn't just frustrating—it's irresponsible. If they refuse to sell, shutting TikTok down becomes the only option.

• We need to focus on long-term solutions, like consistent data privacy laws that apply to all tech companies, not just the ones we don't like.

I've had conversations where people ask, "Isn't a ban extreme?" Sure, it's a drastic step—but so is allowing unchecked influence from foreign entities with questionable intentions. Divestiture is a fair middle ground: ByteDance gets to cash out, and we get to keep a thriving platform without the baggage.

The bigger question here is how we handle tech and national security moving forward. Do we prioritize freedom and innovation while addressing real risks, or do we let politics cloud our judgment?

What's your take? Should TikTok stay, and if so, at what cost?