TikTok creators expressed outrage on Wednesday over proposed legislation that could potentially dismantle the platform in the United States, arguing that it lacks common sense and contradicts financial prudence.
The House of Representatives passed a bill mandating TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban due to alleged connections to the Communist Party in Beijing.
"If their concerns were genuine, we'd be discussing this with Elon Musk, who wields considerable influence over American politics," remarked TikTok creator Ariella Elm to AFP outside the White House. Elm, a self-professed political activist, boasts approximately 287,000 followers on TikTok.
President Joe Biden has signaled his readiness to sign the bill into law, pending approval from the Senate.
"There's a real possibility of it being banned, which is absurd," expressed fellow TikTok creator Nathan Espinoza, known by the handle 'beowulftiktok', to AFP. "Lawmakers fail to grasp the magnitude of this issue."
"My comments section on videos addressing this topic is overwhelmingly negative; people are vehemently opposed to it," he added.
TikTok has vehemently denied being manipulated by the Chinese government.
"Many lawmakers insinuate that TikTok is merely a vessel for Chinese propaganda or Communist Party messaging," Espinoza countered. "But, for me, it's been the only social media platform where I've seen an equal representation of political perspectives."
Espinoza argued that TikTok plays a pivotal role in digital media, especially for marketing purposes, particularly benefiting small businesses.
Steven King, a lifestyle content creator with 6.8 million followers on his 'btypep' account, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing TikTok's unparalleled sense of community.
Juicy Body Goddess, alias Summer Lucille, with 1.4 million followers, lauded TikTok for its real-time raw information and invaluable recommendation algorithm.
Espinoza, newly turned 18, believes politicians backing the bill will face backlash from TikTok's devoted demographic at the ballot box.
"It's my first time voting, and many people my age oppose this TikTok ban," he noted.
Some TikTok users, however, expressed openness to legislation that could safeguard them and national security.
"The addictive nature of TikTok is often overlooked," remarked 20-year-old Boston resident Victor Pelatere. "Massive dopamine rushes and diminished attention spans make a strong case for banning it."
Annmarie Fitzgerald, 22, from Boston, admitted to potentially overusing TikTok. "We managed without it a few years ago; we can do it again," she remarked.