⚖️ 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

  • Creators: When Was the Last Time You Took a ‘No Bones Day?’

    Creators: When Was the Last Time You Took a ‘No Bones Day?’

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #158 | August 10, 2023 In European journalism circles, August is colloquially known as “Cucumber Season.” This, according to Passionfruit’s publisher James Del, is because traditionally, very little happens during the month to move the news media needle forward other than the ripening of certain long, green fruit. (Hey! Cucumbers are fruit!…

  • Internet Vengeance, Schadenfreude, and Bad Bosses

    Internet Vengeance, Schadenfreude, and Bad Bosses

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #157 | August 8, 2023 I don’t know about you, but I’ve had some really scummy, abusive bosses: I’ve had a producer scream with specks of spit flying at my face, slamming a door so loud it could be heard down the office block. I’ve been harassed on the job by men…

  • SAG Bears the Mark of the (Mr)Beast

    SAG Bears the Mark of the (Mr)Beast

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #156 | August 3, 2023 It’s not been a great week to be the world’s most popular YouTuber, Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast aka probably not the antichrist, who may or may not also be a scab?  I mean sure, I MAY be inclined to think the worst on hearing that there are…