There has been a lot of talk about the viral social media app, TikTok, being banned this upcoming week on January 19th. But what is really going to happen and how is that going to affect people all over the US?
On Friday, January 10th, the US Supreme Court discussed whether TikTok will actually be banned in the US in less than a week. Concluding this hearing, the justices seemed ready to let the US government force TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the company or dissolve. The house ultimately believes TikTok spreads misinformation and sways political views due to the parent company being Chinese. They fear that this app is a gateway for the Chinese government to access American users’ data and information. Contrary to this idea, many people believe banning the app is a violation of the First Amendment, freedom of speech. If the banning does go through, Google and Apple will no longer be able to offer the app, but it will not be immediately taken off users phones. According to USA Today, the app will eventually become unusable overtime as these companies will not have the ability to offer support services.
Before President elect, Donald J. Trump’s inauguration, January 20th, he has urged for there to be a hold on the app’s banning to allow his new administration the “the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case.”
If the supreme court decides to uphold this legislation, the Chinese Company, ByteDance, will have until January 19th to divest the US operation of TikTok.
Unfortunately, the Supreme Court can release their final decision at any time, leaving TikTok’s fate in the dark for users nation-wide.
TikTok is a huge place for small businesses to promote their brands and offers jobs for people all over the US. Many rely on TikTok brand deals and influence as their source of income. Banning this controversial app could be detrimental to the US job-market and people’s well-being. It is presumed that small businesses could lose up to $1 Billion in revenue in a singular month if the banning takes place.
Senior Deyanira Llarena explains that TikTok is a place for self expression.
“I think TikTok shouldn’t be banned because it provides thousands of Americans a platform where they can safely express themselves.” She also states that TikTok provides a source of income for many Americans. “Many people, especially influencers and business owners, all benefit generously from the app as more views give more money to the creator,” Deyanira said.
While TikTok has been categorized as a place of mass misinformation, the same could be said for every social media app. In fact, many have come out and expressed the amount of knowledge TikTok has offered them.
As long as users are careful about where and how they are informed on the app, it can be a great place for learning and fostering new ideas.
“TikTok is an app where people can post about their own life and experiences, while potentially spreading positivity and making a living off of it.” He also expresses how the social media app can offer quick education and help with everyday tasks. “It is a great helper when you need a specific task that can be taught in a quick 2 minute video. While here can be many downsides I think TikTok should be saved,” Junior Grayson Flemming said.
Although TikTok’s eventual fate is unknown, many have come out and advocated in an attempt to save it. Since people all around the US disagree with the app’s banning, it has brought people together and provided us with unity. Many hope that this banning will not go through, but only time will tell.
