Back in February I wrote an article about the headaches TikTok is facing in America and the possible ban that could be coming.
The FCC has been refusing to tango with China-based ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, over national security concerns that they’re stealing users’ information and using it for nefarious means. Five months later, TikTok is still here, and the buzz continues on whether congress will take the plunge and kick the platform out of the US or demand it be sold to a home-based company that will ensure privacy for users.
Ultimately, the more I look at the arguments, the less I think it will be a serious problem for content creators whether a ban happens or not.
Case in point.
Recently Pew Research conducted a poll to see how the average American feels about TikTok and if they’re worried it’s a national security threat. The survey found that the majority (more than 50%), especially Conservatives and Moderates, think it’s an issue and support a ban – and no surprise the older population (who doesn’t even use TikTok) – lead the way.
But here’s the clincher as reported on by KSBY.
“Even among TikTok users, 42% say they believe the platform is a national security concern.”
Think about that… 42% of users – nearly half think it’s a threat – yet they’re still using it and haven’t gotten rid of it. It’s sort of like knowing that eating too much chocolate cake is bad for you, but you aren’t willing to give it up.
In addition, we can look at Montana – the first state to ban TikTok – as a guideline to what can be expected if the platform is suppressed on a national level. Montana’s anti-TikTok law goes into effect in January 2024, making it illegal to download the app.
However,… there are no consequences if you do!
The punishment lands on the shoulders of Google and Apple of $10,000 per day if they carry it in their stores. So, all Montana is doing is making it harder for users to find WHERE to download it.
Whoop-te-do.
In my experience if people want something they’ll jump through hoops to get it. In addition, even if there were penalties for citizens how would Montana even monitor who downloads or already has it? Do they plan to spy on their citizens? The very thing they’re fighting against with Chinese ByteDance? And wait… what are they going to do about people crossing state borders or countries to get their TikTok fix?
It’s another case of a law that sounds good on paper but cannot be enforced.
So, what does this mean for content creators?
I think whether a ban happens or not, you don’t have to lose any sleep over it.
It may make things harder, but for a ban to work it would require consequences and a way to track usage. That’s a logistical and legal nightmare. So, for now, keep creating that TikTok content!
Photo credit: iStock.com/hapabapa
