Thousands rally to #KeepTikTok amidst potential ban threat in the US
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by Balikbayan Store
2 min reading time
As the specter of a potential ban looms over TikTok, a wave of its devoted users is mobilizing to save the platform they call home. Responding to the company's call to action under the hashtag #KeepTikTok, creators are urging against the impending threat that could see the popular app ousted from U.S. app stores.
The platform, boasting over 1 billion monthly active users, faces a critical juncture as lawmakers mull a bill that would compel its China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest its TikTok assets or face a ban. This scenario has sparked a resurgence in the #KeepTikTok movement, which gained momentum a year ago amid concerns over national security risks associated with the app.
In a bid to rally support, TikTok has appealed to its vast network of creators, urging them to share their stories and use the #KeepTikTok hashtag. Longtime creators like JT Laybourne, with millions of followers, have passionately voiced their concerns over potentially losing their livelihoods and communities built on the platform.
The bipartisan legislation, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, has cleared significant hurdles, passing the House Energy and Commerce Committee with unanimous support. President Joe Biden has signaled his readiness to sign the bill should it pass both chambers of Congress.
Under the proposed law, the president would be granted authority to designate certain social media apps as national security threats if they're deemed to be under the control of foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. Apps falling under such categorization would face a ban from online app stores and hosting services unless they sever ties with the implicated foreign entities within 180 days.
TikTok, however, contends that the legislation is tantamount to a ban on its platform in the U.S., arguing that it infringes upon users' constitutional rights to free expression and would inflict severe economic repercussions.
Amidst the escalating tensions, TikTok has taken proactive measures, including sending push notifications to users, urging them to contact their representatives and voice opposition to the bill.
While Rep. Mike Gallagher, a co-author of the bill, has refuted claims of it being a TikTok ban, the fate of the popular social media platform hangs precariously in the balance as the debate unfolds in Congress.
