Why the TikTok ban sparked fear for US content creators
Jillian Godsil
5 min read
The rise of TikTok as a dominant force in social media has been meteoric, redefining how users interact, share, and consume content. From its quirky dance videos and creative challenges to its role in shaping trends, TikTok has amassed over 1 billion users globally, becoming a cornerstone of modern digital culture. Yet, as the U.S. government moves to implement a ban on the platform, citing national security concerns, a heated debate is unfolding. What does this mean for social media, users, and the potential for decentralized platforms to step in?
The Significance of TikTok in the Social Media Ecosystem
TikTok’s success lies in its unique algorithm, which seamlessly delivers content tailored to individual preferences. "TikTok made everyone a superstar," said Mark Liu, head of product at MeWe. "The algorithm is its secret sauce—it gives you exactly what you want to see without much effort on your part."
Beyond entertainment, TikTok has also become a hub for education, niche communities, and even financial advice. Justin Roberti noted, "There’s a corner of TikTok for everything—cooking, astrology, politics, and even crypto. It’s a place where people share advice, create trends, and foster real-time connections."
However, its rise has not been without controversy. Concerns over misinformation, data collection, and privacy have plagued the platform. Anewbiz, head of growth at the Secret Network Foundation, pointed out, "TikTok permissions are more invasive compared to other platforms. It’s got access to a significant amount of your phone data, and that’s a major concern for privacy advocates."
The U.S. Ban: National Security or Politics?
The U.S. government’s decision to ban TikTok stems from fears over its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance and the potential for user data to be accessed by the Chinese government. The ban follows the enactment of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversaries Act in 2024. According to Mark Liu, the legislation "requires ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a U.S. ban."
The debate, however, is as much about geopolitics as it is about technology. Roberti remarked, "The U.S. government doesn’t appreciate platforms it can’t control. TikTok represents a huge information leak from a security perspective, but it’s also a political football in the broader context of U.S.-China relations."
While security concerns are valid, some panelists questioned whether TikTok is inherently more dangerous than other platforms. Roberti observed, "Every social media platform collects data—YouTube, Facebook, Instagram. The difference with TikTok is that it’s not under U.S. jurisdiction, and that’s what makes it problematic for the government."
The potential ban is also deeply unpopular among users, particularly younger generations.
"My kids love TikTok. My wife loves it. Banning it is going to be hugely disruptive," said Anewbiz. The platform has become a key part of daily life for many, from influencers who monetize their content to businesses that rely on it for marketing.
Decentralization: An Opportunity for Change?
As the future of TikTok in the U.S. hangs in the balance, the panelists saw an opportunity for decentralized platforms to step in and reshape the social media landscape. Decentralization, they argued, could address many of the issues plaguing centralized platforms, including privacy concerns, data ownership, and content moderation.
"Decentralized platforms can give users ownership of their data and greater control over their privacy," said Anewbiz. He emphasized the importance of starting with a foundation of encrypted data: "The encryption layer has to be built at the foundational level. It should be private by default, allowing users to opt in to share their data when they choose."
Liu echoed this sentiment, noting that decentralization also offers resilience. "If a centralized platform like Facebook or TikTok goes down, users lose everything—their communities, their content. A decentralized approach would allow users to take their data and social graph with them, ensuring continuity."
However, challenges remain. Decentralized platforms must balance privacy with usability and moderation. Roberti cautioned, "Without moderation, decentralized platforms risk becoming cesspools of misinformation. While decentralization is a better idea in principle, it still requires some level of oversight to prevent bad actors from taking over."
What TikTok’s Ban Could Mean for Social Media
The potential ban on TikTok has raised important questions about the future of social media. For businesses, influencers, and creators, it’s a wake-up call to diversify their platforms. Martin from Live Duel, who has successfully leveraged TikTok for sports content, stressed the importance of not relying on a single platform. "You can’t put all your eggs in one basket. Many creators are already pushing their audiences to Instagram, YouTube, or Discord to maintain their communities."
For the Web3 community, the ban could be a tipping point. Roberti noted, "This is an opportunity for Web3 to create a social media platform that’s not just a copy of existing platforms but something truly new—something that offers users a fresh experience tied to decentralization and privacy."
Liu summed it up optimistically: "The TikTok ban also means opportunity. It’s a chance to rethink how we build social media, to fix what’s broken, and to give power back to the people who create the value—users."
A Crossroads for Social Media
TikTok’s potential ban represents more than just a geopolitical clash; it’s a moment of reckoning for the social media industry. Whether it paves the way for the rise of decentralized platforms or strengthens the grip of existing players, one thing is clear: the landscape is shifting.
As Anewbiz put it, "The next big social media platform won’t just be about short videos or viral dances. It’ll be about trust, privacy, and giving users control over their digital lives." Whether Web3 can rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the demand for change is louder than ever.
