The Fate of TikTok and Beyond: What it means for Creators like you.
via Unsplash visuals
This is an OP-ED about the current TikTok ban proposal and the future of online creators. All sources are cited.
Let’s get started.
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I have a singer-songwriter client from Los Angeles who thrives on TikTok. She’s extremely talented with an incredible eye for videography, photography, songwriting and beyond. As her Social Media Strategist, it’s my job to stay up to speed with all things social, especially when the majority of her following is on TikTok.
However, when President Biden approved this bill on April 24th, there were big questions in the air from her and other online creators:
“So… does this mean we’re going back to YouTube?”
“I’m a small business owner… I rely on TikTok for sales. What’s going to happen?”
“Why is Biden banning it, but his campaign team is using it for publicity?”
I explained to her that this won’t happen overnight, but it’s best that we stay flexible and ready for anything.
We can’t assume the permanence of these platforms.
Ivan Samkov via Pexels
To answer the above questions:
I always recommend YouTube as an additional platform. Not only has it stood the test of time, but it’s optimal for long-form content, podcast videos, short films, and beyond.
There are multiple platforms on the market that can help small businesses flourish. As someone who is also self employed, I know what it’s like to have unpredictable months. This is why it’s so important to not rely on one platform for your success. If you want to be an entrepreneur or small business owner, it is your responsibility to find alternatives.
The answer is simple: Politicians want the young vote. If that means posting on TikTok, then so be it. Even Trump has started blowing up on the video platform he once wanted to take down.
Now, a lot has happened since April, including significant updates regarding the ban. According to The Verge;
“On May 7th, TikTok sued the government over the potential ban, calling the law unconstitutional and claiming it ‘subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than 1 billion people worldwide.’”
The First Amendment Case occurred on June 21st, where several TikTok users filed their own suits, demanding their freedom of speech be honoured;
“The court is set to hear oral arguments in the case on September 16th, just a few months before the current divest-or-ban deadline of January 19th, 2025.” (The Verge)
As mentioned before, a ban such as this doesn’t happen overnight. TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew, creators, and others must present their statements before the court. While all of this is brewing in the background, there are some new legal parameters regarding this ban, which you can sink your teeth into here.
Many are wondering why the U.S. is trying to ban such a prominent platform like TikTok:
Why are they sticking their noses in our content?
What’s the big deal?
Why is it any of their business what we share or see on TikTok?
The answers lie in the significant privacy issues regarding user data collection from the ByteDance sister company. In March, there was a congressional court hearing with Chew, where he was “grilled by lawmakers who expressed deep skepticism about his company’s attempts to protect US user data and ease concerns about its ties to China.”
Solen Feyissa via Unsplash
Do we have reason to believe that China is collecting data through TikTok? Yes, but this is ultimately about who has the upper hand with owning this information, and the U.S. is demanding full autonomy. If the U.S. wins, TikTok has six months to divest or sell the platform to an American buyer. There has also been talk of the U.S. buying a copy of TikTok’s application code, in which to create its own version, like China’s Douyin.
While I can understand the reasoning to improve privacy and data collection policies, I think we’re incredibly naive to think that privacy exists anymore.
If you have a smartphone or computer of any kind, your information is not private. It exists in a hypothetical cloud, floating amongst other people’s data. If you have any social media accounts, nothing you post is private, even if you opt for a private account. Your digital footprint clings onto everything, which is why intentional posting is crucial online.
Case in point, there is no privacy anymore, regardless if you use TikTok or not. Every single platform is collecting data to track your behaviour, likes, dislikes, and push ads with clever product placements tailored just for you, which has become the new norm. We’ve grown indifferent to the invasive tactics and data breaches that are plaguing the U.S. and beyond.
Chris Yang via Unsplash
Data collection aside, online safety is a huge issue with TikTok, as one can find anything and everything on the platform. When it comes to minors using TikTok, there is a deepening concern for explicit content that can appear on anyone’s For You Page (FYP). While the user essentially trains their FYP to show them content they want to see, you will get the occasional violent, sexual, or downright disturbing videos that are not for children’s eyes.
Jessica Lewis via Pexels
Now, is this a matter of parents keeping a watchful eye on their kid’s screen time? Sure, but why would a platform with a questionable privacy policy allow users to get away with uploading such explicit content, making it viewable for all ages?
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While politicians argue that the app is destroying America’s privacy, TikTok has proven to help small business owners thrive and make a lucrative income. I’m not talking about ditzy dancers lip syncing to terrible pop music: We’re talking about musicians, chefs, djs, artists, comedians, and more. Our feelings are justified regarding the government trying to control what we see and do, especially when we’re trying to run a business.
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Let’s do a recap.
TikTok being banned wouldn’t hit creators as badly as they assume. Do I condone this “ban?” No, but I do support having the upper hand in terms of who is collecting our data. We have become so complacent regarding our data and private information when we should have the right to know what’s going on.
A ban may feel unfair and inconvenient, but it will push creators to think outside the box when it comes to promoting and sharing their content. As previously mentioned, we cannot rely on one platform for publicity. It is our responsibility to stay agile and flexible when TikTok is facing stormy weather.
If a creator’s audience is loyal enough, they will follow them to YouTube, or whichever platform they choose. Sure, you’re starting from scratch, but that doesn’t make it a bad thing.
Sometimes starting over is necessary for growth.
With all of these loose ends and moving pieces, it’s difficult to navigate the fate of TikTok for online creators. I don’t have any solid answers, however, I encourage you to stay realistic and adaptable.
Don’t assume the permanence of these platforms, but don’t stop creating either.
Don’t blame the President or politicians for having reasonable doubts about privacy and data issues, but don’t assume anyone has your interest at heart.
Make copies of your content and save it on a seperate, external device, and if the ban does go through, do not delete the TikTok app, as you will never be able to download it again.
Remember, we live in a world that’s all about power, money, and control, so it comes at no surprise that the U.S. wants to get its hands on a platform with over 1.5 billion active users. It’s still early days, and anything can change in the blink of an eye.
If you feel called to read TikTok’s Privacy Terms for peace of mind, be my guest. You may not like what you find, but it’s important to be in the know.
Don’t allow these platforms to own you.
Mikoto via Pexels
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What are your thoughts on the proposed TikTok ban? As an online creator, are you concerned? Have you sought out different platforms?
Let me know in the comments.
As always, thanks for tuning in. Be sure to follow along and stay updated regarding all things social and TikTok.
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(Curious to learn more about TikTok’s potential threat to Western society? Want to understand the paranoia from the U.S. government? Check this out.)
