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TikTok’s Potential Shutdown Sparks User Outcry in the U.S.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A wave of disappointment and confusion swept through the TikTok community in the United States on Wednesday, as news broke that ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, was preparing to halt operations for its 170 million U.S. users by Sunday. This development signals a possible end to ongoing efforts to keep the immensely popular video-sharing platform active amidst looming government restrictions.
For months, creators and users who have built substantial followings and careers on TikTok clung to the hope that the platform would circumvent a U.S. ban legislated in 2023. However, as the January 19 deadline approaches, a sense of resignation and anger is beginning to set in.
“The idea that TikTok has raised the white flag is incredibly disheartening,” commented Joonsuk Shin, a 28-year-old research manager and content creator based in New York.
In response to the potential shutdown, some users have begun advocating for a boycott of rival social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, both owned by Meta Platforms, as well as X, which is under the ownership of Elon Musk. Their argument is that advertisers who typically relied on TikTok will shift their focus to these platforms.
One user suggested, “We should all deactivate our Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts on that same day.”
According to U.S. lawmakers, ByteDance has until January 19 to divest its U.S. TikTok operations or face a ban. The concerns stem from perceived national security risks, with fears that the Chinese government could compel ByteDance to hand over sensitive data regarding U.S. users. TikTok has vehemently denied any intention to share user data with China.
The app’s developers have attempted to delay the enforcement of the ban, arguing that it infringes upon the First Amendment rights granted by the U.S. Constitution, particularly the right to free speech.
Unless the Supreme Court intervenes to halt the impending ban, users will encounter a notification directing them to a dedicated website with details about the shutdown when they attempt to access the app on Sunday.
Amber Goode, a 28-year-old true crime content creator hailing from Colorado Springs, shared her frustrations over the prolonged uncertainty regarding TikTok’s future. “Why is it taking so long for the government to give us a definitive answer? It feels like they already know the verdict but are keeping us waiting,” she expressed.
The Washington Post recently reported that President-elect Donald Trump might consider issuing an executive order aimed at “saving TikTok,” although it remains uncertain whether such a measure would successfully circumvent the impending ban.
As news of the shutdown spread, many users began bidding farewell, guiding their followers on alternative platforms to follow them. Several have turned to apps like RedNote, which is based in China, often employing translation tools to navigate the sign-up process, which is predominantly in Mandarin.
On Tuesday, some users still harbored hopes of a possible extension, anticipating a 270-day delay while others humorously mimicked simple phrases in Chinese they learned from RedNote, leaving many TikTok users curious about how so many could pick up the language so quickly.
Amid the chaos, some users expressed urgency in safeguarding their content. “My daughter passed away in 2023. I’ve been saving all her videos on my phone. I can’t afford to lose those,” one user lamented.
In the face of the impending closure, reactions varied widely. While some users thanked ByteDance for not capitulating to pressure by choosing not to wait for a judicial ruling, others criticized the company for its apparent decision to shut down the app.
Ishpal Sidhu, a former attorney turned full-time content creator, expressed her sadness, reflecting on the losses she might incur. “I thought we were making real progress. I stand to lose nearly 400,000 followers and my income starting Sunday,” she remarked, questioning whether she would still receive compensation for her work in January.
Interestingly, some non-U.S. users took a more straightforward approach, expressing relief that American social media complexities may no longer dictate their algorithms. “Goodbye to the Americans,” stated content creator Luke Hopewell from New Zealand.
Source
finance.yahoo.com