A new Marquette Law School Poll reveals that a majority of Wisconsin voters support the 2024 law requiring the sale or ban of TikTok, though opinions are sharply divided along age, political affiliation, and usage patterns. The law, passed by Congress last year, was driven by concerns that TikTok’s Chinese ownership could allow the Chinese government access to Americans’ personal data. According to the poll, 60% of Wisconsin residents favor the law, while 40% believe TikTok should remain available.

Despite its passage, former President Donald Trump has paused the enforcement of the law, allowing time for potential negotiations or alternative solutions. His decision reflects the complex political decisions surrounding TikTok, balancing national security concerns with the app’s massive user base and cultural influence. The Marquette Law School Poll offers insight into where Wisconsinites stand on this issue.

Majority of Wisconsin Voters Support the TikTok Law

The poll found that most Wisconsin voters believe the law is justified, with 60% supporting the requirement for TikTok to be sold or banned. This suggests that many Wisconsinites share concerns about the national security risks posed by the app’s Chinese ownership. However, 40% of respondents oppose the measure, believing TikTok should remain available despite these concerns.

The division in public opinion mirrors the national debate on the issue, where fears of foreign influence and data privacy risks clash with concerns about government overreach, free speech, and the marketplace of creators on TikTok.

Political Affiliation Shapes Views on TikTok

Party affiliation plays a significant role in Wisconsinites’ opinions on the TikTok law. The poll found that Republicans overwhelmingly support the measure, with 72% in favor of requiring the sale of the app to an American owner and 28% opposed. Among independents, support is lower but still a majority, with 54% backing the law and 46% opposing it.

Democrats in Wisconsin are the most divided on the issue, with 49% supporting the law and 51% saying TikTok should remain available. This near-even split suggests that while some Democrats recognize the national security concerns associated with TikTok, others may see the law as an unnecessary restriction or an issue of digital freedom.

Frequent TikTok Users Strongly Oppose the Law

Wisconsinites’ views on TikTok’s future are heavily influenced by how often they use the app. Among frequent users—those who use TikTok multiple times per day or week—80% oppose the law, while only 20% support it.

In contrast, among occasional or past users of TikTok, support for the law rises significantly. Within this group, 58% favor the law and 42% oppose it. The highest level of support for the TikTok law comes from those who have never used the app—77% of non-users believe TikTok should be sold or banned, compared to only 23% who believe it should remain available.

These findings highlight the strong correlation between personal use and policy preferences. Those who rely on TikTok as a daily source of content and communication are far more likely to resist restrictions on the app, while those with no direct attachment to the platform are more inclined to support its regulation.

Younger Wisconsinites More Likely to Oppose the Law

Age is another major factor influencing opinions on TikTok’s sale or ban. The Marquette Law School Poll found that younger Wisconsinites are more likely to oppose government action against TikTok, while older voters strongly favor the law.

Among Wisconsinites aged 18-29, 56% believe TikTok should remain available, while 44% support the law requiring its sale or ban. Support for the law increases among older age groups:

• Among those aged 30-44, 49% support the law, while 51% oppose it.
• Among those aged 45-59, support rises to 61%, with only 39% opposed.
• Among voters 60 and older, a strong majority of 78% favor the law, while just 22% believe TikTok should remain available.

This trend aligns with broader patterns of social media usage. TikTok is most popular among younger generations, who use it not only for entertainment but also as a primary source of news and social interaction. Older Wisconsinites, who are less likely to use the app, are more receptive to arguments about national security risks and foreign data collection.

Trump’s Decision to Pause the Law’s Enforcement

Although Congress passed the law requiring TikTok’s sale or ban, Trump has temporarily halted its enforcement. While many conservatives championed the law as a necessary step to protect national security, the pause allows time for negotiations on possible solutions, such as stricter data security measures, American ownership of TikTok, or legal challenges that could alter the law’s implementation. It also reflects Trump’s tendency to approach this issue as a larger negotiation.