NEW YORK — The possibility of a TikTok ban in the U.S. is looming large, as the Supreme Court has backed a law that could cut off new downloads of the app starting this Sunday. However, the specifics of how this ban will be imposed and its enforceability remain unclear. This development leaves countless users, especially content creators and small business owners, in a state of uncertainty, as many have built their livelihoods on this extremely popular social media platform.
One such individual is Terrell Wade, a comedian and content creator with 1.5 million followers on TikTok under the name @TheWadeEmpire. Wade has turned his TikTok engagement into a full-fledged career and anticipates “two days of chaos” as the deadline looms. “At this point, I really don’t know what to believe,” he expressed.
In a unanimous ruling last Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a federal law that mandates a ban on TikTok unless its parent company based in China is sold by January 19. The court ruled that the national security risks associated with TikTok’s Chinese connections outweighed concerns regarding free speech. As it stands, a sale of the app appears not to be on the horizon, leading analysts to expect the ban to take effect on Sunday. Adding to the uncertainty is the timing of the ruling, which coincides with the tranformation of the presidential administration.
The current administration has echoed a directive that TikTok’s ownership must shift to mitigate national security concerns, yet it has indicated that enforcement of the law won’t begin until after the new president takes office. On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that the responsibilities for enforcing the ban would rest with the incoming administration. Meanwhile, Republican President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at preserving access to TikTok, but it remains unknown what strategies he might pursue post-inauguration.
Amidst this confusion, experts clarify that even if a ban is instated, the app will not vanish from current users’ phones right away. New downloads will be prohibited, and users will no longer receive updates, which will ultimately affect usability, according to statements from the Justice Department. This uncertainty serves as a stark reminder for creators that social media platforms can be ephemeral, potentially disrupting the routines and businesses of those reliant on the app.
Despite preparing for a potential Sunday ban, Wade and many creators hold out hope for an unexpected resolution. He mentioned he has a sufficient following on other platforms to sustain himself if TikTok becomes inaccessible. “I’m still remaining optimistic,” he stated.
Other content creators, however, harbor more significant concerns about the impending loss of TikTok. Janette Ok, an artist and influencer from Los Angeles, relies heavily on the platform for brand partnerships and promoting her music. The app has opened doors she never thought possible, and her participation in lobbying efforts to preserve TikTok in Washington has deepened her connection to the platform. Ok expressed her frustrations about the ban discussions, feeling that the campaigns against TikTok sometimes come across as xenophobic. “It’s changed a lot of people’s lives, and for it to just be taken away like that feels … so not American,” she lamented.
Jordan Smith, a former WNBA player and owner of The Elevated Closet, a clothing brand for tall women in Austin, Texas, utilizes TikTok to connect with a hard-to-reach audience. She fears the loss of TikTok will not only cripple her business but also impact her personally. As she monitors reports on the situation, Smith is cautiously hopeful for a delay in the ban’s enforcement.
Alejandro Flores-Munoz, who runs a catering service named Combi Taco in the Denver area, expressed dismay after the Supreme Court’s ruling, noting how the app had helped him attract customers without the need for costly marketing expenses. “But honestly, it’s very disheartening, specifically because I truly did rely on the app for my business and my growth of my business,” he conveyed.
Ruben Trujillo, owner of Cafe Emporos Coffeegrams, also expressed frustration over the fluctuating political landscape concerning TikTok. He likened the ongoing back-and-forth to a game where decision-making is continuously deferred. “It’s like those bootstraps are being cut now,” he asserted, referring to the inspiring rhetoric often aimed at small business owners about resilience and innovation in entrepreneurship.
