TikTok Ban Looms: Lincoln Businesses Remain Hopeful for Social Media Presence

Lincoln businesses remain hopeful that TikTok will continue to be available for use despite the U.S. Senate passing legislation that includes a ban on the popular app. Many local establishments rely on social media platforms like TikTok to promote their products and services, showcasing their creations to attract customers.

Stacy Tamerius, owner of Butterfly Bakery and Sunflower House Cookies, explained that social media is a crucial tool for bringing customers in the door. Many customers have mentioned that they visited the bakery after seeing their creations on TikTok. The app, which is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company with ties to the Communist Party, has a significant impact on the U.S. economy with millions of American users and businesses that utilize it for sales and growth opportunities.

The legislation currently being considered by Congress would ban TikTok in the U.S., unless ByteDance sells the app to an American company. Senator Pete Ricketts clarified that the bill does not completely ban TikTok but aims to prevent foreign adversaries like China from owning platforms that could pose a threat to national security. The measure is expected to be signed into law by President Joe Biden, potentially impacting millions of users and businesses that rely on TikTok for their social media presence.

Local businesses are still hopeful that they will be able to continue using TikTok as it provides them with an effective way of reaching out to potential customers through social media platforms.