TikTok is considering banning external e-tail site links from its platform, according to a report by The Information..
The move would be a significant shift for TikTok, which has allowed users to link to external websites since its launch in 2016. However, the company is reportedly concerned about the growing number of fake and misleading products being sold on external sites..
A TikTok spokesperson declined to comment on the report..
If TikTok does ban external e-tail site links, it would have a major impact on the way that users shop on the platform. Currently, users can tap on a product in a TikTok video to be taken to the product’s page on the retailer’s website. This makes it easy for users to purchase products that they see on TikTok..
However, a ban on external e-tail site links would make it more difficult for users to purchase products from TikTok. Users would have to manually search for the product on the retailer’s website, which could be a time-consuming process..
It is unclear whether TikTok will ultimately decide to ban external e-tail site links. However, the report suggests that the company is seriously considering the move..
If TikTok does ban external e-tail site links, it would be a major blow to the platform’s e-commerce ambitions. TikTok has been investing heavily in e-commerce in recent months, and a ban on external links would make it more difficult for the company to compete with other e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Shopify..
However, a ban on external e-tail site links could also benefit TikTok in the long run. By reducing the number of fake and misleading products on the platform, TikTok could improve its reputation as a safe and trustworthy place to shop..
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to ban external e-tail site links is a complex one for TikTok. The company will need to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a move before making a final decision..
