In addition, I would like to voice my concern regarding the recent reports that Meta hired lobbyists to influence the hearing on this issue. This is a troubling development, one that is highly unethical, and completely undermines our democratic process. I would also implore each and every one of you to reach out to creators on TikTok if you want to know what is really going on on the platform. The Meta lobbyists had those Committee members ask almost all laughable questions, and I personally am embarrassed for the way the TikTok CEO was treated by the Committee.

In conclusion, the general consensus among the vast majority of creators on the platform that watched the hearing is that Congress has already made up its mind on the matter, and we are going to lose our voices.

So many of us do not have a voice anywhere else. Don't take it from us, we will remember it.

#congress #tiktokban #voidthoughts

While I understand that there may be legitimate concerns regarding national security and privacy, it is important to carefully consider the impact of a ban on the millions of people who have come to rely on TikTok as a source of entertainment and community, while also ignoring the almost draconian data collection practices of Meta or Twitter. I implore each and every one of you to read to the data collection policies of Meta and Twitter, if you have not. And just to emphasize what I mean when I say "draconian", you are not allowed to take a screenshot of said data collection policies in the Twitter app. If there is a concern for what the TikTok app can monitor, then there must be an equal concern for what the rest of the industry is doing and has done for quite a long time now.

#congress #tiktokban #voidthoughts

Furthermore, it is important to note that TikTok has been more transparent in their privacy practices than other social media platforms. They have implemented measures to protect user data, including data localization and auditing third-party vendors. Additionally, TikTok has a history of transparency and cooperation with regulators, as evidenced by their willingness to answer questions and provide information to lawmakers. When the first ban was talked about during the previous administration, TikTok was more than eager to move US user's data to an Oracle cloud-based infrastructure within the United States and hire American employees to assuage any data privacy concerns that the federal government had.

#congress #tiktokban #voidthoughts

Many users have found TikTok to be an open space where they can express themselves creatively and connect with others who share their interests, or sell products as is evidenced by the 5 million business on TikTok. This community has become an important part of many people's lives besides my own, and a ban on the app would be devastating to them both socially and financially.

#congress #tiktokban #voidthoughts

So I wrote a letter to my Congressional Representative and my Senators regarding the TikTok ban:

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed ban on the TikTok application. As a 41-year old political creator on the platform, I have been privy to the emergence of a vibrant community on the app that has brought together people of all ages, from all walks of life.

This is not just a "children's app".

#congress #tiktokban #voidthoughts

Screaming into the void for a moment.

Yesterday, Congress showed the entire world that they truly do not care for their constituents, only what their Meta donors want them to care about.

I have a bit of a TikTok following. Currently I have just over 16k followers, have made lots of friends in the two years that I've been on the app, and feel like I am part of community of creators that speak out on behalf of marginalized groups and does good work spreading awareness and information.

I do not have a voice anywhere else. Everything just gets lost in a giant cacophony of other's thoughts and advertisements.

I can't go back to that. 😕

#VoidThoughts #CoffeeThoughts #TikTokBan