As the United States inches closer to passing a lose-lose ultimatum for Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, the video-sharing platform has taken a proactive stance by rallying its most influential users—its creators– to lobby the Senate. This move comes amid growing concerns over the potential nationwide prohibition of the app, prompting TikTok to leverage its vibrant community in its defense. This is the latest innovation of the app, which has democratized much of the advertisement and entertainment social media industries, and is now democratizing lobbying to the nation’s leaders.
Creators to the Forefront
In a significant mobilization effort, TikTok began recruiting its creators late last week, with a clear objective: to oppose a concerning bill in Congress. This bill threatens to force ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to either divest the app or face a ban in the U.S., posing a dire threat to the platform’s existence in the country. While users and creators largely support the app’s existence, an overwhelming majority of legislators support the bill to push the Chinese Communist Party out of Americans’ daily lives.
Engaging Lawmakers
TikTok’s creators haven’t just been vocal; they’ve been active participants in the political arena. Meeting with lawmakers, these creators have utilized the platform’s hashtag #KeepTikTok to disseminate their message, blending serious advocacy with the app’s characteristic humor to make their point.
A Personal Appeal
Giovanna González, also known as @TheFirstGenMentor on TikTok, became a notable voice in this effort. From the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol, she articulated her opposition to the bill, representing a broader sentiment among the platform’s community.
Legislative Hurdles
Despite these concerted efforts, the bill sailed through the House with bipartisan support. However, TikTok and its band of creators are now setting their sights on the Senate, hoping for a different outcome.
Unconventional Advocacy
The creators’ involvement marks a departure from traditional lobbying. While not compensated for their advocacy, their travel, accommodation, and meals were covered by TikTok, including a dinner that underscored the gravity of their mission.
A Platform for Personal Stories
These creators have gone beyond mere opposition; they’ve shared personal and often moving narratives about the app’s impact on their lives. This strategy mirrors TikTok’s previous endeavors to humanize its platform in the political sphere.
National Security Concerns
At the heart of the legislative efforts is a concern for national security, with U.S. officials wary of TikTok’s Chinese ownership through ByteDance. The bill seeks to mitigate these concerns by forcing a divestiture unless national security worries can be adequately addressed.
TikTok’s Defense
TikTok has consistently rebutted claims of Chinese government interference in its operations, emphasizing that U.S. user data is securely stored domestically. Following the House vote, the company expressed hope that the Senate would consider the broader economic and social impacts of a ban.
Creators’ Capitol Campaign
Creators like Paul Tran, who attributes significant business success to TikTok, participated in the campaign to highlight the app’s value beyond entertainment. Their stories illustrate the platform’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and creativity.
Media and Public Engagements
In addition to personal advocacy, TikTok facilitated media appearances and organized public protests to draw attention to the potential repercussions of the bill. These actions have showcased the positive changes TikTok has brought to individuals’ lives.
Legislative Support and Opposition
Amid these efforts, some lawmakers have shown support for the creators’ cause, opposing the bill and underscoring the debate’s complexity. These interactions have been crucial in articulating the platform’s value to the legislative process.
The Community’s Response
TikTok’s community has been vocal in its opposition, with the company encouraging users to reach out to their legislators. This resulted in a significant influx of calls to congressional offices, demonstrating the public’s engagement and concern.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback in the House, creators and TikTok users remain hopeful about influencing the Senate’s decision. Their continued advocacy underscores the gap in understanding between legislative actions and the platform’s community, highlighting the ongoing struggle for the future of TikTok in the U.S.
