TikTok, the widely used short-form video-sharing app, has been making headlines lately, not just for its viral dance challenges and memes, but also due to growing security concerns in the US and other countries. The app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been accused of collecting and storing user data in servers located in China, sparking worries about user data being shared with the Chinese government.

In response to these concerns, some policymakers have proposed a ban on TikTok in the US, in addition to other countries like India and Australia, which have already imposed bans. However, many creators are worried about what a ban would mean for their content, much of which has been built over years of consistent posting and engagement.

But what many users may not know is that a proposed bill in the US gives creators a significant right when it comes to their data on TikTok. According to the bill, users have the right to request their data back from the company in the event of a ban.

This is significant, as it gives creators the power to save their content, followers, and other data before the account is deleted or made inaccessible. However, many users may not be aware that they have to request their data themselves, and there may be a limited time window in which to do so.

Unfortunately, the process of requesting data from TikTok may not be straightforward, and it requires some technical expertise. First, users need to submit a request to TikTok, specifying the data they want to download. This can include profile information, video content, comments, and other engagement metrics.

Once the request is submitted, TikTok will prepare the data for download, which can take up to several days. Users will then receive an email with a link to download the data, which will be provided in a portable, machine-readable format such as CSV or JSON.

While this may seem like a hassle, it is a crucial step for creators who have built their livelihoods around their TikTok presence. With millions of followers and thousands of hours of content at stake, the ability to download and save this data can be a lifesaver in the event of a ban.

So what can creators do to prepare for the worst? First, they should review the proposed bill and understand their rights and obligations under the law. They should also familiarize themselves with the process of requesting their data from TikTok and plan ahead accordingly.

This is not a scenario to be taken lightly, as the potential implications of a ban are significant. But with the right planning and preparation, creators can take steps to protect their data and their livelihoods, no matter what happens with the proposed ban.