Attention all you TikTokers out there. You can downgrade your mad panic to guarded optimism because the new ban on TikTok President Joe Biden just signed into law won't mean you have to stop using the beloved app. At least for now. The bill does call for a nationwide ban, but it also gives parent company ByteDance nine months to divest from its United States subsidiary plus as long as the sale is in process, the company can get an additional three months to complete the transaction.
If you do the math that means a ban could take a year to technically go into effect. Then you'll have the standard court challenges, which could drag things out even further. Let's say everything doesn't go ByteDance's way and the app is actually banned. The ban would mean Apple and Google could no longer sell it via their app stores, but if you've already downloaded it, there's not much the government can do. Cue millions of people downloading the app trying to beat the ban. Which, of course, could crash all the app stores. (We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, however.) Although, you won't be able to receive any software updates.
While we're sure some tech-savvy experts will be able to get around the ban if it really does go into effect, the more likely avenue is that TikTok users will just relocate to another app. This may end up being a really good thing for Instagram in the long run.
So why is all this happening? Well, lawmakers believe that Chinese authorities could pressure ByteDance to surrender all of its data on its users. That would be a massive security breach and could have major consequences. Of course, that's purely speculation at this point. ByteDance denies that it is or ever will be cooperating with the Chinese government to hand over user data. Although that's probably not going to be enough to satisfy lawmakers. All we can do is wait and see.
In the meantime, TikTok is bound to see an explosion of users. They may not all want to become influencers. Perhaps they just want to keep tabs on their favorite fashion experts. If you fall into the latter category, we'd like to introduce you to the best ones to follow. For now...
Caroline Daur
@hm @Carodaur ALWAYS prefers sneakers over heels. Really? #rokhHM
♬ original sound - H&M
The German blogger and model (who admits she prefers sneakers over heels) posts tons of fun content, from fashion show front row diaries to #OOTDs.
Nava Rose
@the.navarose trash princess is back to encourage everyone to rethink what is “waste” for a landfill and what can be repurposed 🌎🗑️ #diy #sustainablefashion #tiktokfashion
♬ original sound - thenavarose
She's got streetwear down to a stylish science. She'll take you on a sartorial journey through past decades and teach you how to reduce, recycle and reuse.
Denise Mercedes
@denisemmercedes I love that I could always find good fits from @asos ! Make sure to check out their Black Friday sale starting today up to 60 % off! #asos #ad
♬ u. - niteboi
If you're looking for proof that fashion is for every body, this is your jam. Denise Mercedes set off the #stylenotsize movement with help from her bestie Maria Castellanos. They show how the same outfit can work on different body types.
Leonie Hanne
@leoniehanne Which one of these 4 for the Cannes Red Carpet? 1,2,3 or 4? ✨ #cannes2021 #fashion #tiktokfashion
♬ Crazy In Love (Beyonce ft. Jay-Z) - Starlite Karaoke
Leonie Hanne lets you in on the action by asking followers to help her select her red carpet looks. It's like living vicariously through the fashion-forward influencer.
Carla Rockmore
@carlarockmore Me 10 minutes from now is the hype girl I’ve always wanted. Who knew? 😂 #NYFW #fashionweek #carolinaherrera #fashion
♬ original sound - thecomedyguy01
If you're looking for the real-life incarnation of Carrie Bradshaw, look no further. The jewelry designer knows how to accessorize and practices the art of dopamine dressing.
