The TikTok Ban: A Blow to Creators of Color

The idea of banning TikTok, as floated repeatedly in U.S. political circles, is more than just an attempt to regulate a social media platform; it’s an attack on livelihoods, creativity, and free expression—especially for creators of color. It’s absurd on multiple levels, from the shaky justifications to the devastating impact it would have on a generation of creatives who have built careers and communities on the platform.

A Platform That Levels the Playing Field

TikTok has democratized content creation in ways we’ve never seen before. For creators of color, who have historically been marginalized and overlooked by traditional media and algorithms on other platforms, TikTok is a game-changer. It provides a space where Black creators can go viral for their dances, Indigenous creators can share cultural knowledge, and Latino creators can amplify their voices—all without needing a Hollywood agent or a big-budget production.

The platform’s algorithm doesn’t just favor the privileged; it gives visibility to talent and authenticity, often bypassing the systemic biases that exist in other industries. Creators of color have leveraged TikTok to build brands, sell products, and challenge stereotypes—all while fostering authentic connections with their audiences.

Livelihoods on the Line

A ban on TikTok would decimate the income streams of thousands of creators who rely on the platform as a primary source of revenue. Many creators, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, have used TikTok to fund their dreams, support their families, and even pay for education. The platform has become a virtual marketplace, a stage, and a classroom all rolled into one.

For small business owners, particularly those owned by Black and Brown entrepreneurs, TikTok is a free marketing tool that levels the playing field. It’s where a vegan soul food chef can reach millions or where a Black-owned skincare brand can go viral overnight. Taking away this platform is not just cutting off an app; it’s pulling the rug out from under a whole ecosystem of opportunity.

Why the Justifications Don’t Add Up

The justification for banning TikTok often centers on national security concerns, particularly its Chinese ownership. While it’s important to take cybersecurity seriously, targeting TikTok feels more like a political stunt than a legitimate solution. If data privacy is the concern, why aren’t lawmakers addressing data collection across all apps and platforms, including those owned by American companies? The selective focus on TikTok smacks of xenophobia and distracts from the broader conversation about tech regulation and user privacy.

Moreover, banning TikTok does little to actually safeguard users. It’s the digital equivalent of locking the barn door after the horse has bolted. American apps like Facebook and Instagram collect just as much—if not more—data on users, but they aren’t under the same scrutiny.

A Silencing of Voices

Banning TikTok isn’t just about the economy—it’s about silencing voices. For many creators of color, the platform is more than a source of income; it’s a space for cultural expression, activism, and storytelling. It’s where Black Lives Matter organizers have mobilized millions, where Native American activists have brought attention to land rights issues, and where queer creators of color have found solidarity.

Erasing TikTok from the digital landscape would erase these voices from the public conversation. It would disproportionately harm communities that have already had to fight for a seat at the table, forcing them to start over on platforms that may not be as inclusive or equitable.

What’s Next?

Rather than banning TikTok, lawmakers should focus on broader, more meaningful tech regulations that prioritize user privacy and safety across all platforms. Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram and YouTube must learn from TikTok’s success by creating fairer algorithms that uplift marginalized voices instead of replicating systemic inequalities.

The absurdity of banning TikTok lies in its failure to recognize what’s really at stake: the livelihoods, creativity, and voices of those who have found a home on the platform. For creators of color, it’s not just an app—it’s a lifeline. Taking it away isn’t just short-sighted; it’s unjust.