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One of the most popular social media apps in the country could shut down next week
Last year, Congress passed a law that forces TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. Lawmakers have said Bytedance’s ties to China are a national security risk if user data is shared with the Chinese government. Stay up-to-date with the latest headlines from KOAT Action 7 News.
TikTok’s Popularity
If you need a good laugh, are winding down at the end of the day, or trying to find local businesses near you, TikTok has been one of the most downloaded apps in the world according to consumer experts. “More than half the people that we get for The Blend come in off of TikTok,” Victor Saenz, co-owner of The Blend Smoothie Shop, said.
Success Story
The Albuquerque-based business has been using the app to promote its unique treats since 2020. Today, they have two locations in New Mexico and one opening up in Las Vegas. Saenz said the success is all thanks to the app, where each of their videos has gained thousands of views from around the world. “As soon as we post a TikTok that day and even that week, people will say, ‘We saw you on TikTok. We saw this amazing drink or these pancakes that you have that I really love,'” Saenz said.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Bytedance has said it will start the process of shutting down TikTok’s U.S. operations by Jan. 19 if the Supreme Court doesn’t delay or overturn the ban, which Saenz said would be detrimental to small businesses who use it for marketing. “Having the ability and the privilege to reach as many people as possible ensures economic safety for us, and it actually makes it a little bit hard if we don’t have TikTok because we would be out on the ground handing out fliers instead,” he said.
Potential Solutions
TikTok could still be saved if Bytedance agrees to sell the app’s U.S. operations. The court has not yet reached a ruling to ban the app, and President-elect Donald Trump is asking them to delay the decision until his administration tries to reach an agreement with the parent company. Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. You can download it here.
