Arizona Mom Relies on TikTok Income to Support Family, Faces Worries Over Potential Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to evaluate a law that could result in a ban on TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not divest its stake before January 19th. This decision carries significant implications for millions of American users, particularly those in Arizona.

Lindzy Taylor, a TikTok user from the Valley, operates her business selling stickers and crochet animals. This platform has proven vital for her livelihood, especially during the pandemic. “We got so many orders, and it was beautiful. It kept us afloat,” she said. Taylor has monetized her content, creating another revenue stream to support her family of seven. “It’s literally everything; every bill I pay comes from TikTok,” she emphasized.

Despite the potential ban, Taylor doesn’t perceive TikTok as a national security threat. “If politicians are using it to reach constituents, I don’t see the issue,” she explained. Her concern lies more with the financial impact the ban could have on creators like herself.

Jennifer Baluch, who operates the account TastesofAz, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the platform’s role in promoting small businesses. “It would hinder my yearly earnings,” Baluch noted. She pointed out that many creators rely on TikTok as their primary source of income. “This is where their money comes from,” she remarked.

Baluch believes that banning the app would restrict both creativity and freedom of expression. “This affects a lot of people’s lives and livelihood,” she stated, urging policymakers to reconsider the implications of such a ban.

While both Taylor and Baluch wish to see TikTok remain accessible, they are prepared to adapt if necessary. The evolving legal landscape surrounding TikTok underscores the complex interplay between technology, national security, and individual livelihoods.