Amid the looming TikTok crisis, those who patronize the app in the US are not nervous. It is as if the fight is between the US politicians and the Chinese government. So far, the US has called for the app to be banned, leading to court proceedings. For the American people, the fate of TikTok rests heavily on the shoulders of the court’s decisions. They are scheduled to appear in a federal court on September 23.
Understanding the TikTok Crisis
Recall that the POTUS Joe Biden signed a law in April regarding foreign aid and packages. Thus leading to the call for the TikTok ban. Technically the TikTok ban will take effect from the beginning of 2025.
Politicians at the state and federal levels claim that TikTok’s founder ByteDance might act under China’s supervision. According to their argument, the CEO could share U.S. user data with the Chinese. Or they can exploit the app’s popularity and use it to influence political campaigns.
A few weeks after the president’s signing, the company filed a lawsuit against the ban. They cited the User’s Amendment Rights, arguing that their rights had been violated. For the proceeding, a three-judge panel and jury will attend the hearing. Sources posit that the court may rule over the case by November.
As for the American people, there has surely been a reaction. A survey conducted by Pew Research Center Survey showed that 32% are in for the ban.
What’s To Come — Everyone’s Unfazed
Amid the survey and threats to ban, TikTok seems unusually calm and less ready to divulge details publicly. But a retired Department of Justice Attorney commented on the case. These comments pointed to TikTok losing the case as the court. It claimed that the court would likely grant the state’s request.
Following the eventual success of this ban, TikTok in the US will be sold to a non-Chinese firm. However, failure to comply will see the app being deregistered or banned from app stores.
Amid the crisis ahead, TikTok’s major shareholders don’t seem troubled. According to The Information, everyone affiliated with the company is carrying on with “business as usual.” For them, nothing has truly changed as their gaze is on prioritizing goals. It is as if they already hope for a positive outcome as TikTok has continued to stick up for staff. Words from the founder of Clutch Talent, a recruiting agency is that there’s nothing but sheer optimism in the air.
Additionally, creators on TikTok seem to have contracted a similar energy. Some have gone as far as slamming lawsuits against the state in a bid to oppose the band. While a handful believe that the ban wouldn’t fly in court. On the flip side, those who consume content on TikTok might be greatly affected if the ban is upheld. Pew Research Center shows that a significant amount of adults get their news from TikTok. So the app isn’t just a source of entertainment but of information.
Final Note
Amid the crisis consumers, creators and stakeholders appear unbothered. Meanwhile, everything seems pretty normal on the app as advertisers continue to push their products. Reportedly, TikTok is one of the most preferred apps among marketers. It stands in close with Amazon.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
