Avila: First State Destinations highlights value of TikTok

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Recently, the Delaware State News highlighted Alexis Harris and her social media brand, First State Destinations (“Influencer Harris works to connect Delawareans,” Oct. 1). As a follow-up, many folks wrote in to Speak Up with their support for Alexis and her TikTok channel — and I agree with that support. She’s doing great things for a state some consider “boring.” More importantly, she’s doing great things for local businesses. The exposure she provides restaurants and retail helps small businesses that couldn’t otherwise afford online advertising reach literally millions. I’m a small-business owner, and I know how important these types of trusted recommendations can be.

Yet, some in Congress want to ban TikTok. This is misguided. While I understand concerns with data privacy, any federal oversight should be focused on all online outlets (Facebook, Instagram, Google, etc.) and not pointed directly at TikTok alone. Many iconic “American” companies (General Electric, Smithfield Foods, Waldorf Astoria, for example) are actually owned by Chinese investors. Why single out one platform that does so much for businesses?

At a time when the economy is just beginning to rebound, do not penalize small businesses by removing TikTok as a marketing tool. I urge our congressional delegation to oppose a ban on TikTok.

Chris Avila

Wilmington

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.

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