Meta-Dollars Seek to Ban TikTok

By Christopher Tidmore

Concerned Americans worry about their most private data falling into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, of being victims of algorithms focused on undermining the American way of life. These fears reached a fever-pitch after the enactment of a new security law in China requiring that Sino-owned firms like TikTok to turn over such data upon demand to Chinese government officials. A concerning narrative has taken hold. Tensions between China and the United States have dominated the political and media landscape. But instead of confronting real issues, social media has become a scapegoat, leading to calls for Congress to ban TikTok.

At least that is the narrative which has so dominated the media discussion and led to calls for Congress to ban TikTok. This comes despite the fact that TikTok enjoys a vocal constituency as an app that educates and entertains tens of thousands of Louisianians. More importantly, the social media platform has allowed many local families to keep their small businesses afloat. This has been particularly true of young Black entrepreneurs who constitute one of the fastest growing demographics on TikTok.

Perhaps more importantly, TikTok differs from other social media platforms in terms of the opportunities it offers users. Mark Zuckerberg-owned platforms like Instagram or Facebook have never been able to duplicate the filters or algorithmic advantages that TikTok grants its users. The vertical video format has never quite taken off on Reels or Facebook Verticals in the way it has for TikTok.  Comparatively, influencers on “Meta” platforms make far less money through their online content than those do on TikTok. 

Not surprisingly, Zuckerberg has witnessed an exodus of younger influencers in recent years to TikTok. At the same time, the controversy over CCP data mining may have provided a unique political opportunity for Meta. A flood of campaign contributions from Meta have fallen upon state capitols and the halls of Congress to encourage bills prohibiting the use of TikTok and related applications on computers and networks owned or leased by government. Since the federal government tends to be the largest consumer in a local tech market, such an impact can negatively influence the overall business atmosphere for TikTok users. 

In Congress, the key vote on whether to ban TikTok, may be with New Orleans’ own Second Congressional District Rep. Troy Carter. Many small businesses argue that TikTok is a lifeline. These entrepreneurs argue that their very existence is at stake. As a key committee member overseeing the fate of TikTok’s presence in North America, Congressman Carter could serve as the key bipartisan voice—bringing a little bit more perspective into this debate.