As Congress voted on legislation that could ban TikTok, Americans took to the embattled video-sharing app to share their real-time reactions. The Senate passed a revised TikTok bill tied to aid packages for Israel and Ukraine, leading to President Biden signing it into law. This law will force TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American entity within 12 months or face a ban in the US. The House also passed the bill with a significant majority. Lawmakers like Representative Ro Khanna and Representative Jamaal Bowman who opposed the bill voiced concerns about its impact on free speech and silencing young voices.
Users of TikTok, like Rebekah Ciolli, a stay-at-home mother, highlighted the sense of community and connection they have found on the platform. Initially hesitant about using TikTok, Ciolli now spends hours on the app every day, benefiting from the educational and family-friendly content and the relationships she has formed with others. Content creators like Ariana Afshar are worried about the trust people have in the government, especially among the younger generation. Many creators rely on TikTok for their livelihoods, and the uncertainty surrounding the app’s future has left them anxious about their financial planning.
Nadya Okamoto, a small business owner and TikTok creator, expressed concerns about the impact of the TikTok ban on her company’s growth and sustainability. She spearheaded an open letter to President Biden along with other creators opposing the legislation. V Spehar, who runs a news account on TikTok, also voiced concerns about the government’s use of power to pass unpopular legislation, which could further erode public trust in the government. Their content aims to raise awareness about the potential consequences of banning TikTok beyond just losing access to the app.
Lawmakers like Representative Ro Khanna emphasized the importance of user control over data and the impact on free speech for activists, organizers, and small business owners. Representative Jamaal Bowman called for comprehensive social media reform as opposed to singling out TikTok. TikTok creators like Ariana Afshar are worried about the ripple effects the legislation could have on young voters and the trust in the government. The potential ban on TikTok is seen as a threat to the livelihoods of many content creators who have built their businesses on the platform.
The passing of the TikTok legislation has sparked reactions from users, content creators, and lawmakers alike, with concerns about the impact on free speech, community-building, and livelihoods. Many are worried about the erosion of trust in the government and the broader consequences of banning TikTok. As the future of the app remains uncertain, the discussions surrounding TikTok highlight the complexities of legislation that intersects with technology, commerce, and free expression. The voices of those directly affected by the ban are calling for more comprehensive solutions and a deeper understanding of the implications for various stakeholders.
