Our founder, Ian Mangenga, wrote about the fragile nature of digital citizenship in an era where platforms like TikTok function as virtual nations. With over a billion users, TikTok has become more than just an entertainment tool; it fosters micro-communities, drives cultural expression, and provides economic opportunities. However, the recent discussions about a potential U.S. ban on TikTok reveal the vulnerability of users who have built their identities, careers, and communities on the platform.
This precarious status is embodied by the rise of "TikTok refugees"—users who face digital displacement due to platform bans or restrictions. Much like real-world migration, these users experience a sense of loss, having to rebuild their communities on unfamiliar platforms with different algorithms and engagement dynamics. The emotional and economic stakes are significant, particularly for creators and marginalized groups who have found visibility and financial stability through TikTok.
Despite its resemblance to a digital nation, TikTok operates under a corporate structure rather than a democratic one, with decisions about governance, content moderation, and data security made behind closed doors. This raises fundamental questions about digital rights, accountability, and the balance between corporate interests and user agency. The article argues that as digital spaces become central to modern life, their governance must evolve to ensure transparency, user representation, and protections against arbitrary restrictions.
The full article can be read on Mail & Guardian.
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