TikTok ban; Milwaukee influencers brace for potential ruling
MILWAUKEE - The U.S. Supreme Court appears likely to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the country on Sunday, and there are many local creators and influencers who use the app to make a living.
They're bracing for a potential change.
Local effect
Local perspective:
"Paw Perfecta" on TikTok is no stranger to viral videos. With over 400,000 followers, Maricela Cuevas isn’t just a dog groomer, she’s a busy content creator.
"Literally, the first video I posted on TikTok, last year in January, it just blew up. It went viral," Cuevas said. "Millions of people watch my videos every day."
The Milwaukee-based account has connected her to international connections and deals, leading to a steady stream of income.
"Videos help a lot by just growing your business in general," Cuevas said. "Most of the content creators, that’s their only job. Literally, that’s what they do all day, every day. A lot of people are going to lose that job."
The backstory:
Last week, Supreme Court justices grilled lawyers trying to save the social media giant.
TikTok US ban: Supreme Court hears arguments over whether popular app stays or goes
In one of the most important cases of the social media age, free speech and national security collide at the Supreme Court on Friday in arguments over the fate of TikTok.
Representatives for the company argue the law, requiring TikTok to cut ties with China or cease operations in the U.S. by Jan. 19, violates free speech protections.
What they're saying:
Emily Walczak is a local realtor who specializes in older homes. She said TikTok has helped her connect with buyers and eventually sell properties.
"It probably will affect my business because I get about 80% of my business from TikTok," Walczak said. "I would say my business has [increased] more than 10 times this year.
With the high court appearing likely to uphold the ban, Walczak is being proactive.
"I’m trying to push them to Instagram and Facebook, but that’s obviously really difficult because it’s a totally different demographic," she said.
Cuevas’ dog grooming TikTok following has grown so much, she now sells dog treats with the help of the app.
"It opened so many doors for me too," she said. "I feel like it is going to have a negative impact on the U.S."
These influencers have benefited from the app. Now they're bracing for the unknown.
"We’ll see what the future holds," Walczak said.
The Supreme Court could rule on the TikTok ban some time this week.
The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.