GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - The social media app TikTok is facing a potential ban in the United States as lawmakers and cybersecurity experts continue to raise concerns about the app's security and its potential influence by the Chinese government. The app, which has become a global sensation with millions of users, is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. Global company to lay off 54 Wisconsin-based remote workers in March While TikTok is immensely popular, especially among younger audiences, fears over the collection of personal data and the app’s nontransparent algorithms have prompted the U.S. government to take a closer look. Concerns about TikTok’s data collection practices stem from a 2017 Chinese national intelligence law, which mandates that companies headquartered in China, including ByteDance, must comply with government data requests. Tyler Baeten, a cybersecurity instructor at Fox Valley Technical College, explained, "The concerns around TikTok primarily relate to sovereignty. In 2017, there was a national intelligence law that mandates any organization headquartered in China must help with data inquiries from the government." Baeten also noted that the volume of personal data TikTok collects, such as biometric data, device identifiers, and location tracking, raises significant privacy issues. "There is concern that the amount of data that TikTok collects, whether it's fingerprint or face ID biometrics or device IDs, could be used in ways we do not support," he said. "Additionally, several security investigators have found flaws in the app that could allow a man-in-the-middle attack, enabling eavesdropping on data being transmitted." These concerns are not isolated to the U.S. Several countries, including India and Nepal, have already enacted nationwide bans on TikTok, while other nations, such as the U.S., have restricted its use on government-issued devices. As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to rule on the matter, many are speculating about the potential impact a ban could have on TikTok’s operations in the country. If the court rules in favor of a ban, the consequences could be extensive. “If the ban does go through, it could lead to Apple and Google removing TikTok from their app stores, which I’m fairly confident in," Baeten said. "TikTok could be forced to cease operations in the United States, or internet service providers could block data going to and from TikTok, which would render the app ineffective." While there are concerns about privacy and security, an ongoing debate about free speech has also emerged. Lawyers representing TikTok argue that a ban would deprive users of their preferred digital platform, infringing on their right to free expression. Michelle Villarrel, a student and employee at Fox Valley Technical College, expressed her desire for the app to remain available. "I’d like TikTok to stay. I like it because it gives me things to do while I wait and do other things. Mostly, it is the passing of time, but I actually do learn a lot of new things from TikTok just by watching the different ones." While Villarrel may not create content herself, she enjoys using the app for entertainment and education. "If it went away, I’d have to find something else to do. I don’t do TikToks myself, but it just gives me something to do while I’m waiting," Villarrel said. Upper Peninsula man dies after being hit by vehicle near Wisconsin-Michigan border The potential for a ban is now more apparent than ever, with a decision expected as early as Jan. 19 if the app is not sold by its parent company, ByteDance. The U.S. government continues to wrestle with how to balance national security concerns with the rights of millions of American users who enjoy and rely on the app.