⚖️ TikTok’s Chaotic Congressional Hearing

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER


The fallout from Thursday’s congressional hearing with TikTok CEO Shou Chew has been chaotic to say the least. Creators rallied outside the U.S. Capitol to throw their support behind the platform, sharing how their lives and businesses would be impacted by a potential ban. Some even declared their love for Chew by creating fan edits of him in the aftermath.

As Passionfruit contributor Franklin Graves explains this week in a recap of the hearing, for creators, it was clear that members of Congress were often disconnected from the cultural significance of the platform and, therefore, its significance to creator-owned businesses. 

The line of questioning from congressional members at times included long diatribes that were arguably out to provide usable soundbites for constituents. There were also moments during the hearing that showcased their lack of understanding of how TikTok operates.

However, many unanswered questions were brought up regarding the platform’s content moderation, algorithms, and data collection. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a 1996 law that provides broad immunity to internet platforms for the user-generated content they are hosting, was also frequently brought up during the hearing.

To help out creators, we’ve provided a breakdown of what Section 230 is and what you need to know about it. Read more about the law and the hearing’s highlights below.


TOK WATCH

What creators need to know about TikTok CEO Shou Chew’s congressional testimony

TikTok CEO Shou Chew over Capitol building and TikTok background

Building your online empire doesn’t have to be hard

You made something online that has turned into something big. So, what’s next? With Squarespace, creators get all the tools and support they need to transform social stardom into a business all on their own.


ONE GREAT TIP


NEW FRONTIERS

What do creators need to know about Section 230?

If you’re a creator, you may have heard Section 230 in the news lately. Here is Section 230, explained.

By Franklin Graves, Passionfruit Contributor


TOOLS REVIEW

person typing on laptop with media tools overlay

Five AI social media tools that can up your game and save you thousands of dollars a year

Your new toolbox is here.

By Jen Glantz, Passionfruit Contributor


FROM THE INSIDE

shuffles passionfruit remix

How are creators adapting to Pinterest’s collage-making app? We spoke to a ‘Super Shuffler’ to find out

‘I saw it as almost this last corner of creativity on the internet.’

By Catherine Shuttleworth, Passionfruit Contributor


IN THE BIZ


TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • It’s The White House Creators’ Dinner

    It’s The White House Creators’ Dinner

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #336 | April 29, 2025 – Liz Plank, Passionfruit Contributor PLATFORMS Spotify Pays Out $100 Million to Creators Money isn’t the only way creators have benefitted. By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED These cannabis gummies keep selling out Just 1 can get you feeling right within 5 minutes! Get 20% off your order with code…

  • “Google Doesn’t Consider You Worthy”

    “Google Doesn’t Consider You Worthy”

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #335 | April 24, 2025 – Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor  PLATFORMS Linktree Has Introduced New Ways for Creators To Monetize Their Content The news was first announced on April 23. By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED Runners, join the 2025 RunDot Project and receive 2 free months of training. The RunDot Project is an annual research initiative…

  • Rise of the Slang Coin

    Rise of the Slang Coin

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #334 | April 22, 2025 – Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor CULTURE The Hidden Crypto Market Behind Gen Z Slang Words can be as good as gold. By Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED What’s one of the best things you can do for your small business in just 10 minutes? How about protecting it from a…