TikTok Influencer In The US Is Ready To Transfer Content If Applications Are Banned By The Government

The TikTok account of Cassidy Jacobson, a TikTok creator who has more than 1.5 million followers. (photo: screenshot/ary)

JAKARTA - TikTok, a social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has come under pressure from several members of the United States Congress to be banned in the country. Legislators claim that the app can be used to collect data, censor content, and also have a negative impact on children's mental health.

However, TikTok creators, who have built a large community on the platform, are starting to worry about the US government's decision to restrict access or ban the use of the app. Cassidy Jacobson, a TikTok creator who has more than 1.5 million followers, is worried about the decision.

Jacobson dreams of using his success on TikTok as a foothold to start a curly hair care business and inspires others to love their natural curlys. He is preparing for the possibility that he should move his content to another platform if ByteDance is not allowed to supply apps in the US anymore.

"TikTok is in an uncertain situation and the content creator's goal is to build yourself across platforms to have a solid community. You don't just want to focus on one app," he said.

Not only Jacobson, other TikTok creators are also starting to consider diversifying their content by creating new content on other platforms or moving existing content on TikTok to other platforms such as YouTube REALs or Instagram.

During a hearing at the US Congress, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew faced difficult questions from legislators. He confirmed that they do not promote or remove content at the request of the Chinese government, and the app is free from manipulation.

Not only direct bans, there are less drastic options that Congress can take, namely by strengthening user privacy protection. Freedom House Research Director for Technology and Democracy, Allie Funk said that "Congress can bypass comprehensive privacy laws and strengthen requirements to be more transparent about company operations and practices."

Meanwhile, some TikTok creators urged the US government to strengthen users' privacy protection in the app, and not just ban it. "Protection for users on apps must exist, I think the only way is to make big companies responsible, whether it's US-based or in China," Jacobson said.

Supporters of TikTok believe that the app provides a livelihood, a way for social change, and a sense of solidarity among its users. NaomiHearts, a TikTok trans Chicana creator known for her content about self-love, said she was worried about the decision to ban TikTok because the app gave her an opportunity she had not found on other platforms.

No matter which country, he believes that privacy violations from anyone harm everyone.

The sentiment was also expressed by some Democratic lawmakers, who fear the political impact on President Joe Biden if he prohibits something so loved by many young voters.

TikTok creator Chicana Trans NaomiHearts, known for its content that teaches self love, believes that this ban will reduce her trust in Biden, which she supports in 2020.

"We put our trust in someone, I don't think there are good politicians," said Naomi, who was reluctant to give her full name. "But I chose her because I believed in what she was fighting for and over time, I think this will affect the opinion of many people."

Naomi said she was a little reluctant to switch to another platform, as TikTok gave her the opportunity she couldn't find elsewhere.

In addition to popularity and fans, TikTok supporters believe that this platform provides a livelihood, a path to social change, and a sense of community.

"As trans people in this world, they (the public) don't really care about us, so they can make six revenues per year because of TikTok, and brands contact me because of the app, that's amazing," he said.