By Sapna Maheshwari
On Tuesday, TikTok attempted to reassure its U.S. workforce that their jobs would remain secure next week, even if the Supreme Court confirms a law that could lead to the video app’s prohibition in the United States starting Sunday.
This announcement represents a change in TikTok’s previous stance, where it expressed confidence in overcoming its legal battle against the law. It also indicates that the company does not plan to exit the U.S. market imminently, even if a ban is implemented.
TikTok, a subsidiary of the Chinese enterprise ByteDance, is currently contesting a law enacted last year that could outlaw the app unless its U.S. operations are transferred to a non-Chinese owner. On Tuesday, TikTok communicated with its workforce about the uncertainty surrounding the impending ruling, assuring them of continued pay. The Supreme Court is predicted to reach a conclusion before the law becomes effective on Sunday.
“Your jobs, salaries, and benefits are assured, and our offices will stay open, even if this predicament isn’t resolved by the January 19 deadline,” Nicky Raghavan, TikTok’s global head of human resources, wrote in a message that was obtained by The New York Times. “The legislation does not affect the entities that employ you, but rather the experience of U.S. users.”
The law would impose penalties on app stores and internet hosting providers for distributing or updating the TikTok app, effectively instituting a ban on the platform. However, it would not necessitate the closure of TikTok locations within the United States.
The communication also stated: “Our leadership is intensely focused on strategizing for multiple scenarios and continuing to chart our way forward.”
The message, which commended employees for their “dedication and resilience,” constituted one of the few instances of internal recognition regarding the legal strife in recent months. Former employees informed The New York Times in November that, despite the substantial threat posed to TikTok, there has been limited recognition within the company of a possible imminent ban in the United States. Executives have at times trivialized the situation, suggesting in an all-hands meeting that it could one day inspire a Hollywood film, some reported.
TikTok did not promptly reply to a request concerning its most recent staffing numbers in the U.S., but the communication was distributed to an internal “U.S. Team News” forum comprising over 13,000 employees. TikTok has previously indicated it employs more than 7,000 individuals in the United States.
“As we await the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ahead of January 19, we understand you have numerous questions and wish we could present a clear outline of forthcoming steps,” Raghavan stated. “We recognize it’s disconcerting not to have clarity on what will happen next.”
