Lemon8: The Social Media App Gaining Popularity but Facing Potential Ban Alongside TikTok
In anticipation of a potential ban on TikTok, content creators are gravitating towards a new social media platform that could be implemented in less than two weeks. Nevertheless, the two applications are owned by the same Chinese parent company and may become unavailable if the prohibition is enforced.Lemon8, a social media platform characterized as a “lifestyle community,” has rapidly become the most popular app in the Apple App Store and has been downloaded by over 10 million users in the Google Play Store as of Tuesday.Lemon8 functions similarly to Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok—all in one. The platform is known for providing a comprehensive solution for modifying and sharing photos and videos, as outlined in its description on the Apple App Store.
ByteDance, the Chinese corporation that owns TikTok, developed and owns the Lemon8 app. Last spring, President Joe Biden signed legislation that would mandate ByteDance to sell TikTok and any other applications by January 19. TikTok and any other ByteDance-owned applications, including Lemon8, will be prohibited in the United States if ByteDance fails to comply. The apps will no longer be downloadable in app stores, and internet service providers will be obligated to block the websites associated with the applications.
The following information pertains to Lemon8 and the potential impact of the TikTok ban.
Does ByteDance own Lemon8?
Lemon8 was developed and is currently owned by ByteDance, a Chinese corporation that also developed and owns TikTok.
Will Lemon8 be banned if TikTok is forbidden?
Lemon8 is not explicitly referenced in the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Control Applications App, which would enforce the restriction on TikTok. Nevertheless, the legislation does encompass “any other applications or service development or provided by ByteDance.” Consequently, Lemon8 may be impacted.According to Forbes, Lemon8 would be prohibited by the legislation, as Christopher Krepich, the communications director for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, stated. The House committee endorsed the legislation.
When contacted by USA TODAY on Tuesday, neither Lemon8, TikTok, nor the House Committee on Energy and Commerce responded promptly to requests for comment.
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