Local influencer weighs in on potential TikTok ban
Jan 15, 2025
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A Hampton Roads influencer is reacting to news of the potential TikTok ban.
TikTok's parent company 'ByteDance' has until Sunday to sell the app. Lawmakers have been arguing that because TikTok is owned by a Chinese company, they believe that it is a threat to national security.
Trump adviser says president-elect is exploring options to ‘preserve’ TikTok
“My initial reaction is that sucks,” said local influencer Stormy Blue.
Blue reviews local restaurants and things to do across Hampton Roads and posts videos online.
"I think, probably in 2021, I started on TikTok, and the first video I had that kind of went viral, ... people in the area [were] like, ''Oh, can you post more?' So I started posting more content in the area," Blue said.
She has 57,000 followers on TikTok, and 135,000 followers on Instagram.
"I wouldn't, I believe, have the platform I have now, even if it's on Instagram or whatever platform, or my name [known] in the area, if it was not for TikTok," Blue said.
She said it’s because people could lose the opportunity to scroll, post and even make a living.
A last-minute saving grace that could keep the app around for about nine more months is looming in the air, which is something Blue is hoping for.
However, she said she has other social media platforms to fall back on, so she’s prepared for a future with or without TikTok in it.
"It really is sad to lose the app," Blue said. "You know, I hope, I'm hearing [an] extension maybe. For me, I'm just going to continue to post on Instagram, post on Threads, post on Facebook and then if something else comes along, then I guess, join that too.”
The Supreme Court is also expected to weigh in on this potential ban any day now.