(they/them), a Rutgers–New Brunswick assistant professor of communication, is available to discuss the implications of a TikTok ban, now that the U.S. Supreme Court will likely uphold the ban. Shugars studies online political discourse, with a particular focus on policies and practices that can minimize political polarization and support a healthy democracy.
“The move to uphold a federal law banning TikTok from U.S. app stores unless ByteDance divests by January 19 sets a dangerous precedent for government control over social media,” said Shugars. “It’s not a coincidence that we’re seeing companies like Meta capitulating to political pressures just as this law is poised to go into effect. Unsubstantiated fears over possible Chinese influence drove action against this platform but opened the door for government censorship of any platform deemed distasteful by political elites. Ironically, many U.S.-based tech leaders have welcomed the ban of a popular rival, but the repercussions of this precedent could easily put them in the crosshairs next.”
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