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| TikTok pulled out from Hong Kong after the national security law was passed |
The past two days have seen many Filipinos in Hong Kong expressing sadness online about the
disappearance of the wildly popular video-sharing app, TikTok, from their phones and computer screens.
Many of those who mourned TikTok’s pullout are overseas
Filipino workers, who have found the mostly funny videos shared on the app as a
much-needed balm for their aching bodies at the end of a long working day.
“So sad, tinanggal na ang TikTok sa app store, ano na kaya
ang susunod?,” asked a member of the online group, Domestic Workers Corner.
Another said, “Di bale nang matanggal ang TikTok, huwag lang
ang Facebook at messenger.”
Others encouraged TikTok followers to just shift to another
video-sharing app, Likee. Some immediately took up the suggestion and were
happy with the result, but another complained, “Panay
mga Indonesian naman ang mga nandoon.”
Some enterprising OFWs found ways to still access the app,
either by using a SIM card activated in the Philippines
Rain Tuando, one of DWC’s administrators, said “Nagluluksa sila
ma’am, wala ng TikTok. Puro Tiktok na lang pinag-uusapan nila sa gc (group
chat). Yun lang daw po ang kaligayahan nila.”
While most embraced Tiktok for the funny videos shared by
users, others liked it for the catchy tunes and dance steps posted by just about anyone, from celebrities to ordinary people; as well as the instructional clips that helped make some
of their tasks easier and more fun.
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| The app enables users to use various tricks to make their videos more entertaining |
TikTok became an instant hit with users because it allowed them to shoot, edit and share music and lip-sync videos of
between 3 to 15 seconds, jazzed up with filters, music, animation, special
effects, and other tricks. More experienced users can do short-looping videos
of up to 60 seconds.
Like with other social media apps, users can follow, like
and comment on what is shared on the platform.
TikTok announced it was getting out of Hong Kong because of
the new security law imposed by China
“In light of recent events, we’ve decided to stop operations
of the TikTok app in Hong Kong ,” the
Chinese-owned firm said in a statement, becoming the first major social
media platform to exit the city since the security law was imposed on Jul 1.
Other internet giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have
put on hold requests for user data from Hong Kong
authorities, citing the same reason.
TikTok’s move is ironic because it is owned by Chinese
company ByteDance, and has been banned by India
The United
States
But TikTok has repeatedly denied sharing any user information with
Chinese authorities.
