⚖️ 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

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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


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TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

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