Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — TikTok content creators in the United States were began urging their followers to connect with them on Instagram and YouTube as the possible nationwide TikTok ban approaches.
Acording to CNBC Indonesia, the move comes after a U.S. federal appeals court upheld a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership of the app by January 19, 2025. If ByteDance fails to comply, TikTok could face a permanent ban across the country, further jeopardizing its future in the U.S.
The appeals court decision, delivered on Friday, December 6, rejected ByteDance’s legal challenges, affirming that the law does not violate the First Amendment or the Fifth Amendment protections in the U.S. Constitution. TikTok had argued the law was unconstitutional, but judges ruled otherwise.
National Security Concerns
TikTok, which boasts 170 million active users in the U.S., has become one of the country’s most influential digital platforms, particularly among younger audiences. It is widely used for content ranging from lifestyle tips and recommendations to opinions and entertainment.
The app’s TikTok Shop feature has also turned it into a key player in the booming social commerce market, blending content consumption with online shopping.
The U.S. government has long voiced concerns that ByteDance could be forced to share data on American users with the Chinese government, posing a national security risk. ByteDance, however, has repeatedly denied these allegations and criticized the U.S. for what it calls an unfair demand.
ByteDance also has not signaled any intention to comply with the divestiture order. The company claims selling TikTok could trigger regulatory backlash in China, where Beijing might block any sale of the platform.
Creators Brace for Uncertain Future
The ruling has left TikTok creators and their audiences unsettled, with many expressing frustration and uncertainty about the app’s potential ban. Some have already begun transitioning their content to competing platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, while others are waiting for further developments before making a move.
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ByteDance is expected to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, though there is no guarantee the court will take up the case. If the ruling stands, TikTok will come closer than ever to being banned in the United States.
For creators and businesses that rely heavily on TikTok’s massive audience, the looming deadline has triggered growing concerns about losing their digital presence and livelihoods. As the January 2025 deadline nears, many are preparing for the worst, even as ByteDance continues its legal fight to avoid the ban on TikTok and keep the app accessible in the U.S.
(Raidi/Agung)
