A lawsuit has been filed by a group of TikTok influencers against the US government regarding a legislation that could potentially ban or force the sale of the app in the US. These influencers, with a combined total of millions of followers on the platform, argue that this policy violates their First Amendment rights to free speech, as it restricts their ability to share original content.
They believe that a ban or forced sale of TikTok could have severe consequences on both their personal and professional lives by limiting their primary means of expression. They also claim that this could greatly impact their earnings, as a substantial portion of their income is derived from TikTok. They are currently awaiting a court decision in the hopes of being able to continue using the platform without any restrictions.
In a similar vein, eight well-known TikTok users previously opposed a policy implemented by President Biden in December, arguing that threatening to ban a platform so deeply ingrained in American culture violates their constitutional rights.
Lawsuit by TikTok influencers regarding potential ban
These influencers, along with key figures in the national TikTok community, believe that this legislation could jeopardize freedom of speech and disrupt the digital community significantly.
The plaintiffs, representing a large portion of the TikTok community, argue that this policy hinders the free exchange of ideas and the creation and sharing of content on their preferred platform. The implementation of these restrictive measures has reportedly had a negative impact on their digital presence and influence, leading to a significant decrease in viewership and a shift in audience perception.
The lawsuit is aimed at the ‘Protecting Americans from Adversary Controlled Applications’ Act, which has faced criticism for potentially infringing on the rights of multiple tech companies. President Biden recently announced that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, must sell their stake in the app within 270 days or face removal from app stores and hosting providers, effectively cutting off access to TikTok for its 170 million users in the US.
The concerns behind this policy stem from fears of potential exploitation by the Chinese government. If ByteDance divests from TikTok, there is a risk of losing its recommendation engine, which plays a crucial role in the app’s unique style and community.
The participants in the lawsuit are worried that a potential ban could sever their ties to the community and impact the income they generate through TikTok, a platform they view as unparalleled in its support for individual expression and community involvement compared to other platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
