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3 Things That Will Go Wrong If TikTok Gets Banned in the U.S.

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Is the time ticking for Tiktok in the United States? With a whopping 170 million users, it’s the go-to platform for creators and business owners cashing in big time. But what happens to them if it gets the boot?

Last year, the U.S. government sounded the alarm, claiming TikTok might let the Chinese government peek into sensitive user data and even sway public opinion covertly.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar didn’t mince words about the risks: “TikTok’s vast data could become a powerful tool for China, handy for harassment, recruiting, or spying.”

She highlighted Chinese laws forcing companies like ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to hand over data to the government, stating,

“The Chinese government could turn TikTok into a weapon against the U.S. at any moment.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh voiced similar concerns: “China could be pulling data on millions of Americans, including many young folks.”

Kavanaugh’s worry? That data could be a goldmine for China, helping them to recruit spies or blackmail Americans.

What’s Next If TikTok Goes Dark?

For TikTok’s creators, the ban represents a seismic upheaval. The platform has become a literal lifeline for thousands of influencers, small businesses, and content creators who use it to earn income and grow their brands. Here’s how they will be affected:

Wave Goodbye to Audiences and Earnings

  • Viral Dreams Dashed: TikTok’s algorithm makes going viral feel easy, helping creators snag niche audiences fast. No TikTok could mean no viral magic—and no audience.
  • Money Streams Dry Up: Many creators bank on TikTok for brand deals and the TikTok Creator Fund. Without it, these cash flows could dry up, leaving creators in the lurch.

Scramble to New Platforms

  • Exploring Alternatives: Creators might flock to Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, but these platforms don’t have TikTok’s knack for helping videos go viral naturally.
  • Fan-Funded Ventures: Patreon and Substack offer direct ways to make money from fans, but success hinges on a solid, loyal fanbase.

The Struggle of Starting Over

  • New Platform, New Problems: Jumping ship to other platforms comes with challenges. Creators would need to tweak their strategies to fit different algorithms and potentially face less engagement.
  • Business Blues: Small businesses thriving on TikTok could see their customer base vanish, stunting growth and expansion.

As the Supreme Court weighs TikTok’s fate, millions are watching and waiting, wondering if they’ll need to find new digital homes or if TikTok can survive the legal heat.

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