TikTok Ban Update – December 2024
The TikTok ban is making headlines once again. In a critical update on December 16, TikTok filed an urgent appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court to block a potential ban that could take effect on January 19, 2024. This ban would require ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell its U.S. operations to a non-Chinese entity—or face a complete shutdown in the United States. With 170 million Americans actively using the platform, the looming ban is causing widespread concern among creators, businesses, and marketers.
The Legal Battle at a Glance
The controversy revolves around a law passed in April, which cites national security risks due to ByteDance’s alleged ties to the Chinese government. U.S. officials claim TikTok could be used for spying or spreading propaganda. TikTok denies these allegations, insisting that user data is safe and not shared with Chinese authorities.
Earlier this month, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law, rejecting TikTok’s argument that it violates free speech protections under the First Amendment. Now, TikTok is taking its case to the Supreme Court, arguing that banning the app would be government overreach.
“If Americans, fully informed of the risks, choose to continue using TikTok, the First Amendment protects their choice,” the company stated in its filing.
What Happens If the Ban Goes Through?
If the ban isn’t blocked, TikTok won’t disappear from users’ devices overnight. Instead, the app will be removed from app stores, making new downloads and updates unavailable. Over time, the lack of updates could make TikTok unusable. The platform estimates losing up to a third of its U.S. users within a month, which would hurt its ad revenue, creators’ incomes, and partnerships with brands.
For creators, this could mean losing a major platform for growing their audiences and earning a living. Businesses relying on TikTok for marketing might need to scramble to adjust their strategies, highlighting the importance of diversifying across platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court is expected to decide on TikTok’s appeal by January 6. If the appeal is denied, ByteDance would need to start preparing for a shutdown in the U.S. unless it negotiates a sale or extension. The law does allow for a 90-day delay if ByteDance shows progress toward divesting its U.S. operations.
What Does This Mean for Marketers?
With TikTok’s future up in the air, creators and marketers should start planning for the possibility of losing the platform. Now’s the time to diversify your content strategy. Expand your presence to other platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and any up-and-coming apps to ensure you’re not overly dependent on one channel.
For now, we’re all waiting to see how this high-stakes battle plays out. Stay informed, and be ready to pivot your strategy if necessary.
TikTok Ban Update – July 2024
Odds are that you have heard the words TikTok ban within the last few months. This is because a bill including the deadline of TikTok’s parent company known as Bytedance to pass on their power to a United States company within 9 months or experience a ban in the U.S.
The reason for this ban is that many had concerns about the Chinese government being able to access user’s private information through the app.
This bill was passed through the House of Representatives as well as the Senate which brings us up to speed to today where it has now landed on President Joe Bidens desk. This seems like a done deal, due to the fact that President Biden already said that he would sign the bill.
What is Next for TikTok?
Congress passed the bill that President Biden signed into law to ban TikTok in the United States. Instead of the initial bill that stated ByteDance only has 6 months to choose to divest the company or ban the app in the U.S., they now have 9 months. On top of this, the President will have the option to add one 90-day extension to that deadline.
After this time is out, ByteDance can choose to sell or choose to be banned entirely in the United States.
The CEO of TikTok came out with a video to explain his side of things. See below for his video response:
Our CEO Shou Chew’s response to the TikTok ban: pic.twitter.com/l0RAPJMobK
— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) April 24, 2024
TikTok Fights Back Against US Sell-Off Push
MOST RECENT UPDATE: TikTok has filed an official motion to oppose the US government’s efforts to force the company to sell off its US operations. The motion argues that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) exceeded its authority and that the move would cause “irreparable harm” to the company and its users. This latest development comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and China over tech and security concerns.
Roughly 170 million people in the United States use TikTok.This number equates to half of the U.S. population. That is a huge number who will no longer be able to create, learn, inspire, and be entertained by the app if this ban occurs.
Do we believe that TikTok poses a threat to our information? Do you believe this ban is valid? What do you think about this very interesting and pressing news?
Let us know!
