Massachusetts, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Small business owners in Massachusetts are advocating for the preservation of TikTok in the U.S. as the national security implications tied to its Chinese ownership loom. With the app being pivotal for sales and marketing, owners warn that a potential ban could severely impact revenue and community connections built through the platform. They are hopeful for a resolution during President Trump’s upcoming meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, while Senator Ed Markey introduces a bill that could delay the ban and allow further negotiations.
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Massachusetts small business owners urge preservation of TikTok as U.S.-China talks approach
Small business owners across Massachusetts are calling for a deal that would keep the short-form video app TikTok operational in the United States as President Trump prepares to meet with China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday to discuss a possible resolution. Owners say the platform has become a central sales and marketing channel, and they warn that a nationwide ban could disrupt revenue, payroll and community connections built on the app.
Immediate impact on local businesses
Owners report that TikTok directly generated substantial sales and rapid customer growth. One Massachusetts boutique experienced a sudden surge from roughly 500 orders to about 20,000 orders after a viral video, attributing over $1 million in sales solely to the platform. That boutique has expanded to a 30,000-square-foot warehouse and now employs more than 50 people, with large crowds attending warehouse sales driven by TikTok promotion.
Another Massachusetts-based confection company reported a dramatic spike in orders after exposure on TikTok and promotion by a reality television personality, receiving more than 600 orders within a 20-minute window. Company leaders estimate that about half of their sales now come from online buyers reached through the app.
Political and legal context
The U.S. government has moved to ban TikTok citing national security concerns tied to the app’s ownership by a Chinese company and potential risks of data access or surveillance. The administration extended a deadline for action multiple times while exploring options that might address those concerns, including a possible forced sale of U.S. operations. The Supreme Court has ruled on legal challenges to the ban amid arguments involving constitutional protections, and lower- and higher-court developments have shaped deadlines and enforcement timing.
In Congress, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey introduced legislation titled the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act, aiming to delay the nationwide ban scheduled for January 19. The bill would potentially add up to 270 days to the timeline, allowing more time for negotiations, compliance measures, or a sale to occur before the platform would be barred from U.S. app stores and services.
Creators and communities at risk
Beyond brick-and-mortar firms, independent creators and small online businesses across the state and nation have expressed concern that an abrupt ban would interrupt income streams, outreach and volunteer or fundraising efforts facilitated through TikTok. Many creators say the platform functions as both a marketplace and a community hub, and disruptions could have ripple effects on livelihoods and civic activity.
What could happen at the upcoming meeting
The meeting between the two presidents is described as a high-level opportunity to discuss potential resolutions to the U.S. government’s national security concerns and avenues that could allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States. Possible outcomes include a negotiated sale, new operational safeguards, a legal settlement, or continued enforcement of the ban if no agreement is reached. Stakeholders are watching closely because any decision could affect enforcement timelines and business planning.
Business responses and contingency planning
Some businesses say they are preparing for both outcomes: continuing to use TikTok while developing alternate channels and diversifying marketing to mitigate risk. Others are pushing for legislative relief to prevent sudden disruption. Lawmakers, platform users and companies are also raising questions about how to balance national security reviews with economic impacts on small businesses and creators.
Next steps and timing
Key near-term items include the presidential meeting scheduled for Friday and congressional consideration of the deadline-extension bill. The nationally scheduled ban remains set for January 19 unless altered by executive, judicial or legislative action. Businesses and creators seeking clarity say they will monitor official announcements and court decisions closely to inform hiring, inventory, and marketing plans.
FAQ
What is the current legal status of TikTok in the U.S.?
The app is facing a nationwide ban driven by national security concerns tied to its foreign ownership. Courts have addressed legal challenges, and the Supreme Court has issued decisions affecting enforcement timing. A nationwide ban is scheduled for January 19 unless legal, executive, or legislative actions change that timeline.
How would the proposed Extend the TikTok Deadline Act affect the ban?
The bill introduced by a Massachusetts senator would delay enforcement of the ban by potentially up to 270 days, giving additional time for a sale, regulatory fixes, or other resolutions to national security concerns.
Why are Massachusetts small businesses pushing to keep TikTok?
Local businesses report rapid, large-scale customer acquisition and revenue directly attributable to TikTok exposure. Owners say the platform has enabled viral marketing, expanded workforce needs, and increased in-person event attendance.
What are the main national security concerns?
Officials cite the app’s ownership by a China-based company and potential access to U.S. user data or influence operations as the basis for security reviews. Proposed solutions include divestiture of U.S. operations, operational safeguards, or regulatory oversight.
What should businesses and creators do now?
Stakeholders are advised to follow official developments closely, consider diversifying sales and marketing channels, and prepare contingency plans to reduce disruption if enforcement proceeds as scheduled.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Presidential meeting | President Trump to meet China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday to discuss a possible TikTok deal |
| Scheduled nationwide ban | January 19 (subject to change by legal, executive, or legislative action) |
| Proposed legislative action | Extend the TikTok Deadline Act — would delay ban by up to 270 days if enacted |
| Reported business impacts (examples) | One boutique: orders rose from ~500 to ~20,000 after a viral TikTok; more than $1 million in TikTok-driven sales; expansion to 30,000 sq ft and 50+ employees. A confection company received 600+ orders in 20 minutes after promotion; ~50% of sales now online via TikTok. |
| Primary concerns | National security and data access vs. economic impact on creators and small businesses |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Massachusetts Small Business Owners Urge Preservation of TikTok
- WCVB: Unexpected Viral TikTok Video is Sweet Success for Massachusetts Candy Company
- Turn to 10: Massachusetts Senator Introduces Legislation Days Before TikTok Ban
- National Law Review: Massachusetts AG Unveils Internal TikTok Documents in Lawsuit Alleging Child Addiction
- Wikipedia: TikTok
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
