Tennis sensation Coco Gauff, currently ranked World No. 3 and champion of the 2023 U.S. Open, shared her hopes that TikTok remains accessible in the United States despite the recent ban on the popular app.
In a press conference following her 6-3, 7-5 victory over Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage at the Australian Open, Gauff expressed her support for the platform. “I hope TikTok extends,” she said. “It’s a great thing for a lot of small businesses in our country and creators to spread stories.”
Gauff, who boasts over 755,000 followers on TikTok, also revealed what she would miss most if the app were to disappear. “There’s a lot of trends. There’s this pig online, his name is Merlin, and he knows how to press buttons so he can talk. It’s a pretty sassy pig, so I will miss Merlin the most,” she shared with a smile.
Launched in 2017, TikTok quickly became a global phenomenon, ranking as the second most downloaded app worldwide in 2019. However, the platform has faced increasing scrutiny in the U.S., citing concerns over data security and privacy. In recent years, legislative actions and legal battles have intensified, leading to the app’s removal from the Apple and Google app stores and its shutdown in the U.S. on Sunday, January 19.
The ban affects approximately 170 million American users who engaged with TikTok for entertainment, education, and small business promotion. In response to the ban, TikTok filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, arguing that it violates the First Amendment rights of the company and its users. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case on January 10 but has yet to issue a decision.
As young people across the globe react to the news, Gauff’s sentiments echo a larger conversation about the impact of social media platforms on culture, communication, and commerce. While the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, creators and users like Gauff continue to advocate for its place in the digital landscape.
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Tennis Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff hopes TikTok isn't banned in U.S.
cgtn.com
