Why is TikTok banning card breakers?

By Eliud Alano January 08, 2024 00:36

In recent years, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of users creating and sharing short videos on a wide range of topics. However, TikTok has been cracking down on certain types of content that it deems harmful or inappropriate. One such category is "card breaking," a trend that has gained popularity but also raised concerns. This article explores the reasons behind TikTok's decision to ban card breakers and the potential implications of this action.

What is card breaking?

Card breaking is a term used to describe the act of opening and showcasing collectible trading cards on camera. It has gained significant traction on TikTok, with users sharing videos of themselves unboxing packs of cards, showcasing rare finds, and reacting to the value of their card collections. Card breaking content is often accompanied by commentary, excitement, and sometimes even financial analysis.

TikTok's concerns

While card breaking may seem harmless at first glance, TikTok has identified several reasons why it deems this trend inappropriate and worthy of a ban. These concerns include:

1. Promoting gambling

One of the main concerns is that card breaking videos can promote gambling among young users. Many trading cards, especially those associated with sports, have a high monetary value, and the act of opening packs of cards can be addictive. By showcasing the excitement and thrill of opening a pack, card breakers may inadvertently encourage viewers to engage in similar activities, potentially leading to financial harm.

2. Encouraging irresponsible spending

Card breaking videos often highlight valuable and rare cards, creating a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) among viewers. This can lead to impulsive buying behavior, as individuals strive to acquire similar cards. TikTok is concerned that this consumer behavior may encourage irresponsible spending, especially among younger users who may not fully understand the financial consequences of their actions.

3. Misleading financial advice

Some card breakers on TikTok offer financial advice and investment strategies based on the value of trading cards. However, TikTok has found that much of this advice is unfounded or speculative, potentially misleading viewers into making ill-informed financial decisions. This misinformation can have significant consequences, especially for those who rely on accurate financial guidance.

4. Intellectual property infringements

Another issue that TikTok has identified is the potential for intellectual property infringements within card breaking content. Many trading cards feature copyrighted logos, designs, and images. If card breakers fail to obtain proper permissions or licenses, their videos may violate copyright laws, leading to legal repercussions for both TikTok and the creators.

Implications of the ban

TikTok's decision to ban card breakers has sparked mixed reactions among its user base. Supporters argue that the ban is necessary to protect vulnerable users from potential financial harm and misleading information. They believe that TikTok has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its users, especially those who may be more susceptible to impulsive behavior.

However, critics argue that the ban is an overreach by TikTok and infringes on users' freedom of expression. They claim that card breaking is simply a form of entertainment and self-expression, and that TikTok should not be policing what users can and cannot post. Some critics also believe that the ban may set a precedent for further content restrictions on the platform.

TikTok's decision to ban card breakers is rooted in concerns over promoting gambling, encouraging irresponsible spending, providing misleading financial advice, and potential intellectual property infringements. While the ban may have positive implications in terms of user safety and mitigating potential harms, it also raises questions about freedom of expression and content moderation on social media platforms. As TikTok continues to evolve, striking a balance between user creativity and responsible content moderation remains a challenge.