⚖️ 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 Deserve a Guild. Just Not This One.

    Creators Deserve a Guild. Just Not This One.

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #164 | August 31, 2023 It’s Hot Labor Day weekend y’all, and there’s no better time to check in to see how all the recent unionization efforts have been going. SAG and the WGA are on still on strike against the AMPTP, which has countered their proposal for renegotiations with a resounding…

  • And ‘Creator of the Year’ Goes to…

    And ‘Creator of the Year’ Goes to…

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #163 | August 29, 2023 On this week’s “Fear&” podcast Patreon exclusive episode with creators Will Neff, Hasan Piker, QTCinderella, and AustinShow, streamer QTCinderella (the founder of the Streamer Awards) loudly and proudly said, “Fuck the Streamys.” Why? After creating her own awards show specifically targeting categories of creators left out by…

  • We Just Found Out Why Elon’s X is So Bad For Creators

    We Just Found Out Why Elon’s X is So Bad For Creators

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #162 | August 24, 2023 Yesterday, Passionfruit’s “Reactorverse Podcast” host Eric Rodriguez uploaded a 2-minute hype video onto Twi…. *sigh* X. His fan edit took a scene from the new Disney+/Star Wars show “Ahsoka” — featuring iconic “Rebels” character Sabine Wren playing chicken on her speeder bike with two pilots — and…