Tick Tock for TikTok … Musings on LinkedIn

Today was like Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock ... as we waited for the inevitable decision that hashtag#TikTok will continue its US operations.

Joining TikTok back in September 2019, I initially perceived it as a platform for the most random user-generated videos. Initially hesitant and mistaking it for an app geared towards children, I eventually subscribed only to stay abreast of the digital landscape. In all honesty, my use of TikTok has never really moved beyond that as I am intentional and limited in my use of social media.

Over the years, I watched TikTok grow in importance and relevance to our hashtag#digital society. I knew TikTok had solidified its position when I started to receive links to TikTok content from some of my elder family members and watched hashtag#Jamaican TikTok content creators grow sizeable income streams via this little platform.

But, little did I anticipate that within less than 5.5 years, it would become a pivotal player in the digital economic tensions between the hashtag#US and hashtag#China.

Over the last few weeks I have watched US and Caribbean based friends, colleagues, and influencers grapple with impact of a TikTok shutdown on their financial income, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and even freedom of association. Hard work and time spent creating content, as well as carefully curating and nurturing algorithms and connections had the potential to be destroyed in one fall swoop.

I, for one, am pleased that consumer choice will win this battle. While it brought to the fore a vital and valuable conversation about data and digital wellbeing, safety and security, much of the debate appeared to be in vain.

However, I am extremely concerned that an administration not committed to Federal digital regulation and heavily influenced by Elon Musk will lead on the next iteration of the TikTok saga.

Here is what I would like to see:

👉🏾 Federal Digital Regulation: Set standards for privacy, security, and digital ethics.

👉🏾 Monetization Accessibility: Allow creators in smaller economies direct access to earnings.

👉🏾 Antitrust Laws: Foster competition and prevent tech monopolies.

👉🏾 Public Awareness: Educate the public on the importance of who and what shapes our digital ecosystem, digital sovereignty and platform governance.