TikTok has been given one last chance to remain active in the United States. Today, the social media giant is presenting its case before the Supreme Court, arguing that banning TikTok would violate the right to free speech. As I write, the court is still in session, with the fate of content creators across the country hanging in the balance.
For those who haven’t followed the details: TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, faces accusations of posing a risk to national security. Lawmakers argue that allowing a foreign adversary access to U.S. users' personal data is dangerous. There is also concern that China could manipulate U.S. user sympathies en masse to align with Chinese interests. As a result, lawmakers have insisted that TikTok’s U.S. operations must divest from ByteDance entirely.
The law, signed by outgoing President Joe Biden, permits TikTok to remain in the U.S.—but only if a U.S.-owned company takes control of its operations. First Amendment advocates strongly argue that banning TikTok would negatively impact free speech in the U.S. Currently, we’re looking at three possible outcomes:
- The law is struck down as unconstitutional, allowing TikTok to continue operating as it has been.
- The law is upheld, enforcing a ban that would go into effect on January 19, 2025.
- Implementation of the law is delayed, giving the incoming administration an opportunity to revisit or restart the process.
So, what’s at stake for TikTok? If SCOTUS upholds the law, TikTok will be banned in the U.S. on January 19. Apple and Google will be required to remove it from their app stores, meaning users won’t be able to download the app or update its software. While there’s a chance a U.S.-based company could purchase TikTok, that depends on ByteDance’s willingness to sell. If ByteDance agrees, it could eliminate concerns about the Chinese government’s involvement, but this remains uncertain.
Potential buyers, such as Walmart, Oracle, and Project Liberty, have already expressed interest, so ByteDance wouldn’t need to start from scratch. A sale could preserve TikTok’s presence in the U.S., albeit with potential changes to its operations.
In short, the worst-case scenario would be SCOTUS ruling against TikTok, ByteDance refusing to sell, and TikTok becoming inaccessible in the U.S.
But the company itself wouldn’t bear the brunt of this fallout. Content creators—many of whom have built entire livelihoods on TikTok—stand to lose not only their income but also the millions of followers they’ve cultivated. Transitioning to another platform will be costly, as followers may not move with them, and other platforms may not offer the same monetization opportunities. For instance, many prominent TikTok creators have already been denied access to programs like the Threads bonus initiative.
Then there’s the question of where to go. Instagram Reels lacks TikTok’s reach, while YouTube Shorts, though promising, isn’t ideal for short-form creators—especially women. Twitch is geared towards streamers, making it less compatible with the polished, bite-sized content typical of TikTok. Alternatives like Triller and Zigazoo exist but have far smaller user bases. Moreover, no other platform replicates TikTok’s unique algorithm, which ensures content reaches the right audience while driving unparalleled engagement.
The economic ripple effects of a TikTok ban are also concerning. Thousands of brands, especially small businesses, have relied on TikTok’s algorithm to thrive in a market dominated by big corporations. Losing this tool would hinder their marketing efforts and visibility. Furthermore, when content creators lose their income, they stop spending, which could have a ripple effect on the broader economy.
On a global scale, this situation sets a troubling precedent for tech regulation. If countries begin banning platforms based on geopolitical disputes, the connectedness of our digital world could erode. A world where social media is limited to domestically created platforms could hinder global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.
So, what happens next? For U.S. users, everything depends on SCOTUS’s decision. Content creators and businesses reliant on TikTok should prepare for all outcomes. Build email lists, establish a presence on alternative platforms, and be ready to adapt quickly.
Regardless of the Supreme Court’s ruling, diversifying your media sources is always wise. Checking multiple outlets and engaging with differing perspectives ensures a well-rounded understanding of current events and helps avoid falling prey to misinformation. While we can’t return to a pre-TikTok world, we can look ahead and imagine what social media could become—hopefully without political interference disrupting innovation.
