Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey is one among millions lobbying to push the potential ban on TikTok. During his speech on the Senate floor on January 13, he called on lawmakers to postpone the ban deadline by 270 days.
During his speech, he expressed his support for the app, pointing out that millions of people rely on it to earn their daily wages and feed their families. He also pointed out its usefulness in imparting knowledge.
News of the same has since broken out on X (formerly Twitter), drawing varied reactions from many. While some users are lauding the senator, others are jokingly pointing out that it may be too late, as users are now flocking to another Chinese app, RedNote, instead. Here's how one user (@br99hamilton) commented:
"It’s literally too late half of the people on TikTok have moved to rednote we’re learning Mandarin now and we’ve been very warmly welcomed by the creator of red note."
Even more chimed in with their own opinions:
"Without TikTok how will people know what I’m up to all day every day? People need my dance routines," one user jokingly shared.
"They saw everyone going to Rednote," another pointed out.
"They're gonna add rednote to the ban," someone else claimed.
"Too late. We’re already on rednote," yet another echoed.
The comments didn't end there, as users were visibly teeming with opinions (via @GlitterBomb64):
"Just sell TikTok already. This bill will NOT pass," one user opined.
"girl yk this damn well isnt happening-" another asserted.
"PLEASEEEEE COME ONNNN PASS IT PLEAAASEEEE," someone begged.
"This brought considerable suffering to many people, and I will advocate against it strongly," one more added.
Users were divided over the news. While some suggested that the bill should be passed, others claimed TikTok is no longer useful as users are already fixated on RedNote.
Senator Ed Markey moves to repeal the ban on TikTok altogether: Here's why
Read Markey's statement on Monday below:
"Let me be clear: TikTok has its problems. Like every social media platform, TikTok poses a serious risk to the privacy and mental health of our young people," Markey said. "I will continue to hold TikTok accountable for such behavior. But a TikTok ban would impose serious consequences on millions of Americans who depend on the app for social connections and their economic livelihood. We cannot allow that to happen."
Ed Markey has been pushing for the "Extend the TikTok Deadline Act," which would grant ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, the chance to sell their company in the next 270 days.
Per CBS News, he also submitted a bipartisan brief that moved to eradicate the ban altogether, noting that it lacks evidence and infringes on the right to free speech.
The ban deadline is less than a week away, and users are already flocking to another Chinese app called RedNote. Per CBS News, it is the most downloaded app by Americans at the time of writing.
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