TikTok’s ongoing legal battle in the United States highlights the intensifying US–China rivalry, merging national security concerns with technological competition. Owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance, the platform is under growing scrutiny as it emerges as a central figure in the digital power struggle. This conflict reflects broader geopolitical tensions, as digital platforms increasingly serve as instruments of soft power and influence. TikTok’s future will have far-reaching implications for global digital economies, particularly in terms of data sovereignty, content regulation and cross-border tech relations.