Black Entrepreneur calls banning TikTok and other social media, rulership

by:  Howard Castay

 

CBSRadio News is reporting that TikTok is now banned from use across the entire State University System in Florida. Universities across the state are prohibited from using campus WI-FI or school-owned devices to access the platform, after a recent decision from the Florida Board of Governors.

The ban includes the includes the state's largest institutions:  the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of South Florida.

Meanwhile, the State of Arkansas is on the verge of passing a bill to require all children to need their parent's permission, in order to access all social media sites.

The Arkansas majority-Republican House approved by an 82-10 vote the restrictions, which have the support of GOP Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The proposal goes back to the Senate, which approved an earlier version of the bill, but needs one more vote before it can head to Sanders’ desk.

Jondrea Smith calls the government's actions to ban TikTok, "rulership and not government."

"Their plans will stifle communication and the sharing of ideas, not to mention small business commerce," Smith said. 

Smith is a woodworking digital artist from the Mississippi Delta.

After living in New Orleans for 12 years, he and his wife (who has family in Louisiana), moved to Birmingham.

Smith's work includes turning wood into furniture pieces, in addition to commemorative pieces, and other creative art.

"I feel this move is also somewhat racial because it constricts the African Diaspora. We are naturally creative, our dance, our music, our food. We communicate and share our thoughts and ideas within our culture."

"Now, our fundamental freedoms appear to be at risk," he said.

"Word of mouth is very important in our culture. It creates sales for us entrepreneurs. If this goes away, so does the outlets we presently have for customers to discover our work. TikTok gives a platform that is the sole avenue for many minorities."

While focused on social media freedoms for his business, Smith agrees that parents need to control how much time their children spend with TikTok and other social media, however, they should not have to leave, "tracking tokens to state agencies."

"Arkansas needs to explain how they plan to protect the privacy of its residents, parents and children, who use social media. What security will you provide to verify people?"

"This kind of thing makes me really uneasy. There is no public outcry, no public health issue for passing a law to clamp on the use of social media. Again, it's rulership and not government. Content filters are not a state function."

 Here are just some of the reasons why Smith feels a TikTok ban doesn’t make sense:

 

• For many content creators, TikTok is a sole source of livelihood. Many Black entrepreneurs rely on the platform to generate revenue and expand their business. TikTok’s popularity spans many industries, including fashion, music, food, and art, all parts of the African Diaspora. 
• TikTok offers new ways for students and young adults to learn. The platform is rich in easy-to-digest video resources, from financial planning to home renovation hacks and meal prepping.
• Banning TikTok takes away from our fundamental freedoms. Americans have the right to pursue their dreams and be entertained. If Congress bans TikTok, who knows what is next?