The US federal appeals court has upheld legislation that bans TikTok in the country by denying to review multiple petitions for relief from TikTok and its parent conglomorate ByteDance.
When TikTok was banned in India in June 2020, it marked a seismic shift in the app's trajectory. Once India’s most popular app with 200 million users, TikTok had fostered thriving subcultures and life-changing opportunities for creators. However, escalating tensions between India and China led to its sudden removal, freezing millions of accounts and videos in time.
The Indian experience provides a glimpse into what might happen if the United States proceeds with its own TikTok ban. In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell its stake within nine months or face a ban. Despite ByteDance’s resistance, a US federal appeals court recently upheld the legislation, setting the stage for TikTok to potentially go offline in January 2025.
Cultural Significance and the Indian Experience
India's TikTok ban, prompted by border skirmishes with China, erased an app that had democratized content creation like no other. TikTok’s algorithm offered rural users unprecedented exposure, connecting them with audiences and even enabling some to achieve celebrity status. This dynamic reshaped India’s digital landscape.
Sucharita Tyagi, a Mumbai-based film critic, reflected on TikTok’s impact, noting how it brought together people from all walks of life. "It was a phenomenon where people danced, performed skits, and shared their everyday lives," Tyagi said. The app's ability to deliver hyper-local content distinguished it from competitors.
Following TikTok’s removal, the Indian government banned 58 additional Chinese apps, including Shein, and later expanded the list to over 100 apps. Despite this, domestic tech entrepreneurs seized the moment. Apps like Chingari, Moj, and MX Taka Tak emerged, aiming to replicate TikTok’s success. However, their rise was short-lived as established giants like Instagram and YouTube introduced Reels and Shorts, respectively, solidifying their dominance.
Implications for the United States
The TikTok ban in the US would mark an unprecedented moment in American tech history. With 150 million users in the country, TikTok has become a cultural staple, fostering niche communities and empowering small creators. Unlike Instagram, TikTok’s algorithm encourages regular users to post, making it a unique platform for creativity.
A US ban could also open the door for alternative apps to rise, as seen in India. However, the rapid adaptation of established platforms like Instagram and YouTube to include TikTok-like features demonstrates how difficult it is for start-ups to compete.
Additionally, the new US law sets a precedent for broader scrutiny of Chinese apps, raising concerns about privacy and national security. Other platforms could face similar challenges, reshaping the social media landscape.
A Cautionary Tale
India’s experience shows that while users adapt quickly, much of the cultural richness tied to TikTok disappears when the app is removed. The short-lived rise of alternatives highlights the difficulty of replicating TikTok’s unique ecosystem.
As the US edges closer to a decision, the lessons from India offer both a roadmap and a warning. The potential ban may reshape not only TikTok’s future but also the broader digital and cultural dynamics in the United States.
