As the January 19 deadline for TikTok’s potential ban approaches, a grassroots movement led by TikTok influencers is gaining momentum. Dubbed #LightsOutMeta, the campaign calls for a week-long boycott of all Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, WhatsApp, Giphy, MetaQuest, and Ray-Ban Meta, from January 19 to 26, 2025. The movement, amplified by the hashtag #fvckzuck, is a direct response to the perception that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a driving force behind the push to ban TikTok, allegedly to eliminate competition and consolidate power in the social media landscape.
The TikTok Ban: A Legal and Political Saga
The TikTok ban stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April 2024, requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. The law, framed as a national security measure, has been challenged by TikTok on First Amendment grounds, with the company arguing that the ban would stifle free speech and harm millions of users and creators.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, with TikTok’s legal team emphasizing that the app operates independently of ByteDance and does not share user data with the Chinese government. However, justices expressed skepticism, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh questioning whether ByteDance’s ownership posed a risk of espionage or blackmail. The court’s decision, expected by January 19, could either uphold the ban or allow TikTok to continue operating under ByteDance’s ownership.
The #LightsOutMeta Movement: A Protest Against Monopoly
TikTok influencers argue that the ban has less to do with national security and more to do with stifling competition. Many believe that Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, has lobbied for the ban to eliminate TikTok’s threat to its dominance. Meta has a history of anti-TikTok lobbying, including funding a Republican consulting firm to amplify concerns about TikTok’s impact on children and teens.
The #LightsOutMeta boycott aims to hit Meta where it hurts—its user engagement and ad revenue. By logging out of Meta platforms for a week, participants hope to send a message that they will not tolerate corporate monopolies dictating the future of social media. The movement has gained traction on TikTok, with creators urging their followers to join the boycott and share their experiences using the hashtag #fvckzuck.
The Algorithm Debate: Freedom vs. Control
At the heart of the TikTok ban debate is the app’s algorithm, which many users credit for its success. Unlike Meta’s platforms, TikTok’s algorithm allows for organic discovery, enabling users to reach large audiences without relying on paid promotions. This democratization of content creation has made TikTok a haven for marginalized voices, including creators of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political activists.
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In contrast, Meta’s platforms have been criticized for their opaque algorithms and heavy-handed content moderation. Recently, Meta announced the end of its fact-checking program, replacing it with a “community notes” system similar to Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter). Critics argue that this shift prioritizes engagement over accuracy, allowing misinformation and hate speech to flourish.
The Billionaire Monopoly: Zuckerberg and Musk
The #LightsOutMeta movement also highlights the growing concern over the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech billionaires. Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, who control Meta and X respectively, have been accused of using their platforms to advance personal and political agendas.
Zuckerberg’s recent alignment with President-elect Donald Trump, including a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, has raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Musk’s acquisition of X has been marked by controversial decisions, such as reinstating banned accounts and reducing content moderation. Together, these actions have created an environment where misinformation and extremism thrive, undermining the principles of free speech.
The Broader Implications: Free Speech and Corporate Power
The TikTok ban and the #LightsOutMeta movement underscore the tension between free speech and corporate control in the digital age. While the U.S. government frames the ban as a national security issue, many TikTok users see it as an attack on their ability to express themselves freely.
The movement also raises questions about the role of tech monopolies in shaping public discourse. By boycotting Meta, participants hope to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more equitable and transparent social media landscape.
A Fight for the Future of Social Media
The #LightsOutMeta movement is more than a boycott—it’s a statement about the future of social media. As TikTok faces an uncertain future, its users are taking a stand against corporate monopolies and the erosion of free speech. Whether the movement succeeds in forcing Meta to change its practices remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fight for a fair and open digital space is far from over.