How the TikTok Ban Affects You - And There's Nothing You Can Do About It

The US government is taking aim at TikTok over national security concerns about the Chinese-owned app's data collection and usage practices involving Americans' personal information. Lawmakers argue this poses risks, with the Chinese government potentially able to access user data or manipulate content on the platform.

The recently passed legislation gives TikTok's parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the app to a non-Chinese entity. If they fail to do so, TikTok will be outlawed in the United States. ByteDance has vowed to mount a legal challenge, setting the stage for an uphill court battle.

So how will this impact you as a TikTok user? Brace yourself, because there's very little you can do to stop it.

1. You will lose out.

With over 170 million American users spending an average of 56 minutes per day on the app, a TikTok ban means waving goodbye to a massive source of entertainment and information. That's a staggering 170 million hours of content lost daily that users will need to find alternatives for.

2. You will lose money.

The top 50 highest-earning TikTok creators collectively made an estimated $700 million between June 2022-2023. A ban jeopardizes the livelihoods of full-time influencers and content creators who have built careers on the platform. The entire creator economy faces upheaval as they're forced to migrate to different apps with varying monetization models.

3. You will lose business.

TikTok contributed $14.7 billion in revenue for small US businesses last year. Companies who relied on the app for marketing, sales and growth will need to quickly adapt their strategies. Some may lack the resources to pivot effectively.

4. You will lose your mind (maybe?)

For many, TikTok has become a ingrained habit for passing time and seeking entertainment. Abruptly losing this outlet could negatively impact some users' mental well-being as they struggle to fill the void.

5. You will lose your freedom.

Free internet advocacy groups argue banning TikTok violates First Amendment rights and sets a concerning precedent of censorship. The public perception around online speech freedoms may be impacted.

In the end, while the national security rationale seems convincing to lawmakers, the TikTok ban will likely prove highly disruptive to users, creators, businesses and the economy at large. And for the app's ardent fans? There's little they can do but brace for impact and life without their beloved TikTok.

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