Portland TikToker who uses app to give mom ‘second life’ decries potential ban
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The popular social media app TikTok could be banned in the U.S. following the passage of a bill in the House of Representatives saying it is a national security threat.
What could the potential ban, which has yet to reach the floor of the U.S. Senate, mean for Portland social media influencers who use TikTok to tell their stories and highlight local businesses?
Dozens of TikTok influencers in the Rose City use their platform to show off local restaurants, activities and travel destinations. For instance, Travel Portland uses their @TravelPortland TikTok account to highlight the city.
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But for Ed Kim and his mom, Jane Kim, the app means much more to them than just a business opportunity.
“My thought was that this was a great way to get mom out there and have her realize there’s a whole new world out there,” Ed said. “Showcasing mom’s experience first time, you know, trying Ethiopian food or Indian food or something like that.”
However, the vote from U.S. lawmakers means that the company that runs TikTok may potentially be forced to sell it or it could be banned from U.S. app stores.
“That would be really hard if TikTok was, like, definitely banned,” said Ed, who explained that not only do their videos highlight local restaurants, they give his mom the special gift of getting to explore them.
At one point, Jane was even able to share with the world — via TikTok — when she reconnected with her long-lost son.
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“A lot of people have reached out to us and said they’ve had similar stories or relate to that. So I’m glad I was able to, you know, actually film it,” Ed said.
The concerns from lawmakers are that the app poses a national security threat by the Chinese government.
Rep.Lori Chavez-Demer (R-Ore.) voted in favor of the potential ban. She said in part, “Congress has received classified briefings that have made TikTok’s national security threat clear.”
Two of the seven Oregon representatives voted to not ban the app, including Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.). Bonamici explained she wanted a more broad-reaching piece of legislation that isn’t focused solely on one app.
“Instead of targeting one company, we should consider comprehensive legislation to improve how Americans access and control their data across all apps and uses,” she said.
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Though the bill’s Senate vote hasn’t happened yet, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) told KOIN 6 News he is generally leaning towards the ban but will gather more information before making a final determination.
“I’m going to be talking to the intelligence community. I’m going to be trying to understand better whether the bill could actually ban TikTok,” Merkley said.
Ed said both he and his mother have day jobs and aren’t worried about the financial loss. However, he said the potential ban could take away something even more valuable.
“It’s given mom this opportunity to live this second life,” Ed said.
Click here for a full list of reactions from Pacific Northwest representatives who voted on the ban.
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