Nearly two billion. That’s the number of active users currently on TikTok. Some 150 million of those are Americans. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, one-third of Americans use the platform. But here’s the thing. Barely any of them post. Instead, the vast majority, Pew noted, never post a single video, instead relying on creators to not just entertain them through short-form content but also inform them, as a growing number of Americans say TikTok is how they get their news and information. However, all that may come to an end on Sunday, January 19, because the U.S. government may be banning the social media app altogether. And that could have serious consequences for your favorite creators — including up-and-coming chefs and your local restaurants.
On April 23, 2024, Congress passed legislation that the Washington Postexplained is an “ultimatum to TikTok’s parent company,” ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, that gives them two choices for their future in the …