A new law expected to take effect Sunday would require TikTok to cut ties with its China-based parent company or lose access to U.S. app stores.
HOUSTON — The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to overturn or delay a law that is set to go into effect Sunday that would essentially ban the popular social media app TikTok.
The Supreme Court said Thursday that it may announce opinions on Friday morning.
The law would remove TikTok from app store sand web-hosting services in the U.S., if it does not cut ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance before Jan. 19.
Supporters of the ban said it would be done in the interest of improving America’s national security, while opponents of the ban said it violates the First Amendment’s right to free speech.
Houston-area businesses and content creators said they are disheartened by the law because they rely on TikTok to connect with customers and boost business.
Stacy Vazquez does marketing for Sunbelt Pawn, which has various locations across Houston. She said she posts videos on TikTok to increase sales of jewelry items.
“The shift on TikTok has been more toward TikTok Shop, and you can go live on TikTok, and we’ve actually used that to help sell some of our inventory, so it’s been a pretty important part to our business,” Vazquez said. “We’ve seen an increase of people saying we saw you on TikTok.”
Vazquez adds that between her posts, and other content creators discussing jewelry they found at pawn shops, TikTok is helping educate consumers and drive them through her doors.
“It’s been so helpful, so many new faces, so many new customers who are wanting the inventory that we have. They just never knew it was an option. And thanks to TikTok, they were open to that,” Vazquez said.
In light of the potential ban on TikTok, and the lingering decision yet to be made by the Supreme Court, Vazquez said it would negatively impact Sunbelt Pawn.
“I know that a lot of people just use it for entertainment purposes, but when you understand the way that it helps small businesses, it’s not just a silly thing. It actually means a lot. It’s not just about, oh I’ll have more free time, or I won’t be doom scrolling at night anymore. This is sales, this is livelihoods. This is jobs, so it is a really big deal,” Vazquez said.
Having TikTok as an option is a big deal for content creators, as well, such as food reviewer Herbert Shells. He goes by “Foodie Herb” on TikTok, and he has amassed a large following with his relatable and humorous food reviews.
“Typically, what I do is I go to a restaurant. I go in. I order whatever their main attraction is, and then I review it inside my car,” Shells said.
Shells said without TikTok, his revenue streams would be substantially cut.
“It definitely decreases the reach, my monetization, you know, how much money I can make, you know, brand deals you might get,” Shells said. “As a creator, you want to reap the benefits of your hard work.”
Just like Vazquez, Shells said he also prays the Supreme Court sides in favor of keeping TikTok available in the U.S.
“I hope they are able to come to a resolution,” Shells said.
It is important to note that TikTok will not just disappear from users’ phones on Jan. 19 if the law takes effect. Instead, the app will no longer be available to download, and users will not be able to update it. Experts said that will make the app “buggier” – and eventually unusable.