In Fall 2021, I became an unexpected advocate. After a fellow student at the University of Delaware was attacked, our university failed to alert others about the incident. This negligence sparked community (and personal) outrage and led me to post a TikTok video that quickly went viral, gaining over 9 million views in 48 hours. The resulting social media campaign and protests garnered national attention, leading to significant policy changes at my university aimed at improving safety measures and support for assault survivors.

TikTok is not just an entertainment platform; it's a powerful tool for small businesses, economic growth, community building, and fostering social change. It has allowed me to use my voice in ways I never thought possible - advocating for survivors like myself and working with organizations across the country to bring about necessary changes on campuses nationwide. I have also been able to foster a community of survivors who have found solace in sharing their stories with each other, sometimes for the first time, because of the feeling of safety and community that this app and my page elicits. 

For many small businesses struggling during these uncertain times, TikTok has become an indispensable marketing tool. According to a report by Shopify (2020), 88% of their merchants who used TikTok saw an increase in sales while their customer engagement doubled.

Moreover, it's not just businesses that benefit from this platform; it's our economy as well. As per data from Sensor Tower (2021), U.S users alone have spent over $23 million on in-app purchases within TikTok - contributing significantly towards economic activity.

Banning this platform would not only stifle voices like mine but also hinder economic growth and community-building efforts across the nation. We must recognize its importance beyond mere entertainment – as a catalyst for impact-making conversations and change-driving movements. 170 million American users are on TikTok, and no matter what they choose to use it for, that is their choice.

The 1st Amendment is not just for freedom of speech, but also the freedom to consume information wherever you please. The government doesn't have a say in how to censor that.

Join us in solidarity as creators and TikTok alike take on the US Government in court to fight the ban on this vital platform that serves as both an economic engine and a beacon of social change advocacy. Sign this petition today!