With the Presidential Administration switching hands this coming Monday, January 20, the question of what will happen to TikTok and its ban has been in the air more than ever. Many users of the widely popular short-form video app have been creating goodbye videos to their fans, announcing any other platforms that they can be found on. Some people have ever decided to switch to RedNote, another app similar to TikTok but primarily for Chinese citizens. Unfortunately, it appears that the Biden Administration is sticking to its original stance on the ban, meaning that it will hand over its fate to the Donald Trump Administration.
This comes directly from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who relayed the information via a statement shortly after making the decision.
“The Administration, like the rest of the country, has awaited the decision just made by the U.S. Supreme Court on the TikTok matter. President Bidenโs position on TikTok has been clear for months, including since Congress sent a bill in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion to the Presidentโs desk: TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law. Given the sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday.”
The ban has caused quite an uproar in North America, forcing thousands of content creators to find new ways to generate income like they were with the TikTok app. Many have cited that their First Amendment right is being violated as a result of the ban. The challenges related to the Amendment might lengthen the time it takes for an official decision to be made, but a decision seems close to being made.
Unfortunately, the ban for TikTok is set to be on Sunday, January 19; just two days away. The date is the day before Trump’s first day in office. Personally, I very much enjoy TikTok, but can understand aspects concerning internet safety for minors as well as the dangers of trends. I’m interested to see what happens over the weekend concerning the app.
