‘TikTok ban will put an end to abusive and obscene content’

 ‘Number of psychopaths, stalkers will come down’ (As told to Kaushik Rajaraman and Merin James) I actually welcome the ban. But it is because people have started misusing the platform. Though there are people who use it responsibly and share interesting informative things, there is another section who posts obscene videos with the hope that it will go viral. They are looking for 5-minute fame. Of late, there are a lot of animal abuse videos on TikTok. Also, many youngsters believe that TikTok is an easier way to enter the film industry. So, they just keep creating contents daily. But they are wrong — they might get recognised, and that’s about it. Not all film directors are going to rope in people based on their TikTok videos. My TikTok videos weren’t the only reason that I got into films. I did my own work and research.

Though I shot to fame because of Dubsmash, I have stopped using it for at least a couple of years now. I was busy shooting for my movies last year. I don’t think banning an app will have a great impact on a country that has conflict with China. TikTok was a mere platform for young talent. It helped them get recognised and there were a few influencers, who made money out of it. The only advantage of banning such an app is that it would put an end to psychopaths and stalkers who misused it. Else, I feel bad for younger generation who could have made better use of it to enter movies. Apart from TikTok, they have also banned shopping apps, which were essential for women. That is something, which is hard to accept.
 

There are a lot of good content creators in TikTok. Some youngsters find it as a way to explore their talents. But, if it is necessary for the government to take a strict action like this, then I completely agree with it. If any other similar app is developed in the future, it would be a great thing. Apps like this helped many people unwind during the lockdown period.
 

I deleted my account on TikTok a couple of weeks ago as soon as the Chinese forces trespassed into our territory in Galwan Valley. I am not saying that deleting or banning an app would do complete justice to our armed forces. However, China generates a revenue of Rs 25 crore every month with TikTok users in India. Their target was to achieve Rs 100 crore in September is what reports suggest. I did whatever I could out of sheer patriotism. There were people who asked me why should I delete an app in which I can promote myself during the lockdown. I keep my nation above me hence I can always find other ways for PR activities. What has begun with TikTok and other 58 apps will also continue with banning Chinese products in the future if not immediately.

 — Sakshi Agarwal
 

 (As told to Kaushik Rajaraman and Merin James)