TikTok Faces faces Backlash Mid LA Wildfires and Ban Threats

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The Los Angeles wildfires, including the devastating Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have caused widespread destruction. The destruction of thousands of acres has caused displacement of countless residents. As of Friday, these wildfires have caused at least 10 deaths and 35,000 acres burning. The social media giant TikTok, whose Culver City office faced power outages, has become both a platform for wildfire updates and a target of criticism for its employee policies.

TikTok a place for Real-Time Updates and possible Misinformation

During the LA Wildfires and other natural disasters, TikTok has become a critical tool for updates and information. Currently TikTok is a vital tool during the LA Fire, with users sharing evacuation stories, support during these times, and updates on the ongoing fire. Celebrities and locals alike have posted emotional content that’s gone viral. Emotional posts from many individuals speaking of their losses or near escapes have gone viral, amidst the chaos.

News outlets and authorities have also utilized TikTok to post crucial information about evacuation zones, fire containment efforts, and safety advisories. Currently TikTok is a key resource for those affected by the fire. The platform still faces challenges with the spread of misinformation, like AI-generated images depicting landmarks engulfed in flames. TikTok users are encouraged to verify information and rely on trusted sources during the LA Palisades fires

TikTok’s Controversial Sick Time Policy during Wildfires

TikTok’s response to employee needs during the Palisades Fire has sparked debate. The company asked LA-based staff to work from home or use sick leave if unable to work from home. This has sparked controversy over their internal policies that don’t seem to be as empathetic. With 10 sick days and 15 vacation days annually, many expressed concerns over borrowing time from future allocations during this crisis, calling for more flexible policies. Requiring staff to use their sick time during such an extraordinary crisis has raised major concerns. Critics argue that such practices fall short of supporting employee well-being during natural disasters.

The controversy surrounding TikTok’s sick time policy highlights a broader issue: how companies handle employee well-being during emergencies. Natural disasters should require organizations to go beyond standard policies, offering support that reflects the unique challenges their employees face. Flexible leave policies, additional paid time off, or emergency stipends would help alleviate stress and demonstrate a commitment to employee and public welfare.

TikTok sets a tone towards their employees. As a leading social media platform, they set a standard for other tech companies. How will this playout in the future for other companies and their teams?

Downfall of TikTok and Upcoming Court Hearing

Amidst the wildfires and criticism of its sick time policy, TikTok faces another challenge: the potential ban of its platform in the United States. A court hearing is scheduled to address ongoing national security concerns regarding TikTok’s ownership and data practices. Discussions of TikTok being banned intensify, many are calling for a new TikTok alternative or a social media platform that better addresses user and employee needs.

As of January, TikTok has over 170M users in the United States and over 7M small businesses using the platform to market themselves. With so many controversies at play for TikTok, will there be a new social platform for many to migrate to?

Corporate Compassion out the Door

With many trends and controversies happening over the last two months, the importance of flexible, compassionate policies during disasters like the Palisades Fire are a must. Many believe companies should offer employee support including additional leave or emergency aid to reduce stress and prioritize well-being during these natural disasters. A call for a new social media platform that values transparency and accountability has also gained traction, reflecting broader concerns about TikTok’s practices.

TikTok’s role during the fires highlights its part as both a community platform and an employer. They have done great at spreading awareness and acting as a resource for those affected by the fire, on the other hand TikTok’s internal practices reveal areas for major growth. As recovery continues in the LA Wildfires, there is much to observe at TikTok. Employee wellbeing and other legal challenges like the court hearing are still being speculated. TikTok’s future—and the need for new alternatives—remains in the spotlight. Will this corporate giant fall?

Resources for the LA Wildfires

Those affected by the fire:

GoFundMe
- https://www.gofundme.com/
- Let people know you’ve been affected by the fire and reach out to organizations helping. Starting a GoFundMe has been a go to for many during this time in need.

Airbnb Free Emergency Housing
- https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-the-los-angeles-wildfires/
- Airbnb and 211 LA have collaborated in efforts to support the locals affected by the wildfires, below you can find the intake form needed for the temporary housing.

How to help those affected by the LA wildfires:

World Center Kitchen
- World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. They state ““Our teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water as we identify all areas of need,”
- https://donate.wck.org/give/654000/#!/donation/checkout
GoFundMe
- GoFundMe states this “tax deductible donation will ensure this fund can support as many people as possible as soon as a disaster strikes” Currently they’ve been able to raise $803,856, and are “currently responding to the wildfires in Southern California.”
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/wildfire-relief-fund-2025
Airbnb
- Airbnb is here to “Help provide free, emergency housing to people displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires and other disasters around the world”. Here many can donate to help those who have been displaced.
- https://www.airbnb.com/for-airbnb-org/donate