Biden Signs Bill on TikTok: Community Divided Over Ban Threat
President Joe Biden has signed a bill that could lead to a ban on the popular social media platform TikTok in the United States. The move comes after years of debate and scrutiny over the platform’s ties to the Chinese government. TikTok has been under fire from the U.S. government over concerns that it could be used to spy on Americans or spread disinformation.
The bill, known as the ‘No TikTok on U.S. Devices Act,’ would ban TikTok from operating in the U.S. unless it is sold to an American company within a year. The bill was signed into law by President Biden on April 24, 2024.
The TikTok community in the U.S. is divided over the decision. Some creators have spoken out against the law, calling it ‘the height of hypocrisy and propaganda.’ Others have supported the move, citing concerns about the platform’s ties to the Chinese government.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew has said that the company will fight the decision in court. He has argued that TikTok is a private company that does not share user data with the Chinese government.
It remains to be seen whether the law will be upheld by the courts. However, the decision to sign the bill is a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s efforts to crack down on TikTok.
Reactions from the TikTok Community
TikTok creators in the U.S. have expressed a range of emotions in response to the news of the ban. Some have taken to the platform to protest the decision, while others have expressed support for it.
One TikTok creator, Dutch de Carvalho, criticized the law in a video, citing a list of issues that he said Americans lack, including affordable housing, student debt relief, higher minimum wage, and free Covid tests.
‘Can we at least watch videos on an app of people doing fun things and learn about the world around us?’ he said in his video.
Another TikToker posted a video with the message, ‘Joe Biden’s TikTok Ban Hypocrisy!!! Drop a Trump 2024 to stop communism and save America!!!’
However, not all TikTok creators are opposed to the ban. Some have expressed support for the move, citing concerns about the platform’s ties to the Chinese government.
One TikToker wrote, ‘They’re trying to ban Tik Tok bc organizers are posting razor-sharp political education in two minutes, students are sharing what they’re learning in college classes, oppressed groups are telling stories that put their lived experiences into context – the ruling class is rattled.’
Another user wrote, ‘The US political establishment is pushing to ban TikTok. Israel is behind the destruction of this platform which is fueling pro-Palestinian sentiments.’
It remains to be seen how the TikTok community in the U.S. will react to the law if it is upheld by the courts. However, the decision to sign the bill is a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s efforts to crack down on TikTok.
