As TikTok went down Saturday night, and was quickly brought back online the next day, the unclear fate of the popular social media app still raises critical concerns about free speech, economic livelihoods and the future of online spaces. A ban would disrupt the lives of millions of creators and users and set a concerning precedent for governmental control over digital platforms. The potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. assets introduces uncertainty regarding the platform’s future and the preservation of its unique algorithm, which enables organic content discovery.
What is the TikTok Ban?
The U.S. government has expressed concerns that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could pose a national security risk. They fear that data collected from American users might be accessed by the Chinese government, potentially compromising user privacy and national interests. In an effort to address these concerns, TikTok proposed significant changes, including moving U.S. user data to domestic servers managed by Oracle and increasing transparency regarding its operations. However, despite these efforts, the U.S. has continued to push for either a complete ban or the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a domestic company. This has left TikTok in a dangerous position, with its future hanging in the balance.
While this concern about data misuse is valid, they don’t seem to want to ban Meta and its monopolistic regime on social media, even though Meta admits to selling users’ data without explicit permission. TikTok’s very essence is its unfiltered democratization of expression. If this ban were to go forward, it would take away this space of creativity and connection for people all around the world.
It is important to recognize that TikTok has given regular people a platform to create and share freely. Protecting this space is essential for those who depend on it.
Free Speech and Creative Expression
TikTok allows its users to enter a world where anyone can be heard and seen. It’s a place where stories, songs and perspectives cross geographic, linguistic and cultural boundaries. Banning TikTok would silence countless voices and prevent an entire country from the opportunity to connect.
TikTok has become a crucial source of unfiltered news, giving people access to raw, on-the-ground footage and stories that might otherwise be suppressed or overlooked. During moments of global significance, TikTok has provided a platform where the realities of these events, from the destruction of innocent’s homes to the undeniable evidence of police brutality, can be seen and shared widely. This openness has empowered individuals to document reality and ensure that the world bears witness to what’s often hidden from mainstream media.
On the other side of the platform, TikTok’s ban will affect creatives. This loss is devastating because no other platform offers the same level of organic exposure. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts algorithms don’t work the same as TikTok’s. On TikTok, new music, fan edits or other forms of creative expression can go viral overnight.
By contrast, platforms like Instagram impose stricter controls, making it harder for creators to reach beyond their existing followers. On Instagram, algorithm changes and music restrictions forced many to abandon the platform altogether. With Meta using users’ data for AI training, no creative would want to expose their work to AI theft. Without TikTok, creatives will struggle to find a space that genuinely supports their artwork.
Impact on Creators
For many creators, TikTok is a lifeline. The musician who finally finds an audience, the small business that can reach buyers far beyond their friend circle. Entire livelihoods have been built on TikTok, often by individuals who found opportunities that they couldn’t find anywhere else. Take that away, and what’s left?
This ban isn’t just about banning an app. TikTok may not be perfect. It has its issues. However, it is still a space where creativity thrives, voices are amplified and connections are made. Banning TikTok risks setting a dangerous precedent, stifling free speech and dismantling a vital place for creators and audiences alike. Instead of erasing this platform, this country should work towards solutions that address concerns without sacrificing the principles of openness and accessibility. TikTok has reshaped how we use social media. Its loss would leave a hole that no other platform can fill.
