Leah Feiger, Tori Elliott, and Makena Kelly discuss the potential ban on TikTok in the US. They cover topics like the legal battle over First Amendment rights, the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future and potential buyers, the role of influencers in political campaigns, and the impact of TikTok ban on influencers. They also touch on controversial theories like alien bodies in Mexico.
TikTok faces potential US ban if not divested from China-based owner within a year.
Political influencers on TikTok play crucial roles in campaigns by reaching broader audiences and amplifying political messages.
Deep dives
Biden signs law requiring TikTok divestment
President Biden quickly signed into law the National Security Packies, allocating billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel and containing provisions impacting TikTok. The bill necessitated TikTok to find American ownership within a year or risk a US ban. Congress expedited the bill's passing following concerns about national security and user data privacy.
TikTok plans legal challenge and First Amendment defense
TikTok announced plans to challenge the new law in court, asserting that it violates the First Amendment rights. Legal experts suggest a strong First Amendment claim due to the potential censorship of speech. Previous instances with WeChat and TikTok in Montana established blueprints for First Amendment challenges against app bans.
Influencers navigate political engagements on TikTok
Political influencers on TikTok engage in campaign-related content and have become significant assets to political campaigns. Biden and Trump campaigns strategically utilize influencers to reach a broader audience and amplify their political messages. RFK Jr.'s campaign also leverages influencers for content creation and audience engagement.
Future implications of TikTok's political landscape
The TikTok ban law could impact political influencers and campaigns on the platform. Biden faces pushback from supporters, influencers adapt to possible changes, and scenarios arise where the TikTok platform might cease to exist post-inauguration day. The evolving political dynamics on TikTok shape strategies for reaching audiences and engaging with political content.
This might be the end of TikTok. President Joe Biden signed a bill this week which allows the US government to ban the platform if TikTok doesn't divest from it's China-based owner, ByteDance, within a year.
Today on the show, we’re going to talk about what happens to TikTok now and how this new law affects the politicians and influencers who use TikTok.
Leah Feiger is @LeahFeiger. Tori Elliott is @Telliotter. Makena Kelly is @kellymakena. Write to us at politicslab@WIRED.com. Be sure to subscribe to WIRED Politics Lab newsletter here.