FUTURE PRECEDENTS

After such a controversial hearing, there are two types of precedents that may be set: a precedent for Congressional hearings onefor popular apps. Due to the popularity of TikTok, the Congressional hearing gathered a larger, neweraudience and more popularity than other hearings. Thus, it shed light on the nature of these hearings. An article from WIRED directly states, “The TikTok Hearing Revealed That Congress Is the Problem.” Similar ideas emerged in many people’s minds after finding out about the questions Congress members asked. Now, whether this sentiment will translate to a change or precedent in Congressional hearings is a different story. What is known is that the TikTok hearing’s popularity exposed many people to the nature of Congressional hearings and that Congress may not be necessarily happy about them.

Next, there may be a precedent set by the potential ban of TikTok. As Congress acts against TikTok and pressure mounts on President Biden about potentially adopting suggested legislation, a United States without TikTok is entirely possible. This may have effects on more than just the app alone. Other apps, especially those that have implemented a TikTok-style media consumption form like Instagram and YouTube, may have to maintain stricter privacy regulations and terms of service to ensure that they do not end up in the same situation as TikTok. The potential ban of a beloved app like TikTok could bring about significant changes in the social media landscape, Congressional hearings, and even the public’s perception of Congress as a whole.