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Angel Mae Glutz runs a fine art and tattoo studio called Coven in Jacksonville, Florida. To promote her business and bring in clientele from all over, Glutz says she uses a variety of social media platforms, including TikTok.

Facebook and Instagram and TikTokhave been incredible, she said. I moved a lot in my 20s and 30s, and those platforms made it a lot easier for my clientele to follow me.

But entrepreneurs like Glutz who rely on social media for their businesses could wind up as collateral damage in the ongoing battle against China-based TikTok on Capitol Hill. The White House has already banned TikToks use on government devices and lawmakers are weighing legislation to limit communication platforms and tech owned by foreign adversaries.

The potential for a blanket ban on a global tech player like TikTok, with more than 150 million users in the U.S., could have significant ripple effects on the influencers and small businesses that generate revenue from the app.

Social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, among others, have come under fire for data privacy issues. Some are now pushing back via grassroots marketing campaigns, running commercials on platforms like Hulu and YouTube that show their positive impact on Americans.

In the TikTok Sparks Good campaign, the company shares user testimonials, such as one from a member of the Air National Guard who uses TikTok to post informational videos to the military. More recently, Instagram launched a TV ad showing a young hockey player posting videos of his practices on Instagram, as his mother helps manage his screen time and any negative comments.

Much of this ad spend is a response to the U.S. governments scrutiny of social media sites, ramped up lately due to the latest string of broader data leaks. For example, authorities are still investigating the months-long leakage of classified military documents later publicized by Russia on social media sites. The Federal Trade Commission is pursuing a wide-ranging investigation of Twitter in connection with alleged violations of FTC privacy rules.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are weighing a proposed bill, called the Restrict Act (Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology), which would ban any communications tech that the U.S. government sees as a security threat produced by six foreign adversaries: China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela.

The Restrict Act, though controversial, has now garnered bipartisan support from 25 senators and is backed by the White House. Its early in the legislative process; the bill still needs a full mark-up in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation before it can proceed.

The bill would put the Department of Commerce in charge of regulating and blocking communication technology made by foreign adversaries that pose a security threat.

The threat that everyone is talking about is TikTok, and how it could enable surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party, or facilitate the spread of malign influence campaigns in the U.S., said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) in a March 7 announcement of a bipartisan bill. We need a comprehensive, risk-based approach that proactively tackles sources of potentially dangerous technology before they gain a foothold in America, so we arent playing Whac-A-Mole and scrambling to catch up once theyre already ubiquitous.

Leaders in the House have voiced support for such legislation, with some wanting to ban TikTok outright, though that would be very difficult considering that millions of people in the U.S. (including small business owners) use it daily. The White House took some action on February 27 by giving federal agencies 30 days to erase TikTok from all government devices.

The Restrict Act was introduced the same month that TikToks CEO, Shou Chew, testified before Congress. He argued that TikTok is not under the control of its China-based parent, ByteDance.

TikTok, as a U.S. company incorporated in the United States, is subject to the laws of the United States, Chew said in his testimony on March 23 before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government.

TikTok has significantly ramped up its privacy policies and security in recent years, as have other social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Chew added that TikTok has begun storing data from the U.S. on a server farm in Texas, a project expected to cost $1.5 billion.

Within the year, he said, all protected U.S. data will be under the protection of U.S. law and under the control of the U.S.-led security team. Under this structure, there is no way for the Chinese government to access it or compel access to it.

TikToks privacy issue cant be fully resolved using familiar protective measures, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs). Masking the users IP address, as VPNs do, is of limited use in blocking surveillance of device-specific data. One reason is because certain types of data are drawn from device functions like Wi-Fi location tracking and GPS, not a browser or app.

When the Restrict Act first came out, some critics raised concerns that the bill could authorize the Commerce Department to levy a $1 million fine against individuals who use a VPN to access TikTok in the event the app were banned. But most of those concerns have been resolved, and the text of the bill never mentions VPN.

A spokesperson for Warner has been quoted by at least one media outlet as saying the legislation is aimed at companies like TikTok that create systemic risks to the United Statess national securitynot at individual users.

Many users of social apps like TikTok and Instagram say there are privacy and block options they can apply to feel more in-control and safe with what they choose to post. There are also many tutorials by these companies, and users of the platform explaining how to control the settings. Glutz recalled how a younger user of TikTok, whom she was tattooing, showed her how to set up controls so that only followers of a certain age could see his post about getting the tattoo.

I actually get comfort in using social media from my younger clientsthey literally grew up on social media. The younger generation understands the safety equipment associated with these apps, Glutz says. Its the same way a ship captain understands the boating equipment better than anyone else.

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TikTok, Other Social Media Face U.S. Roadblocks; Companies And ... - Forbes

Name: Cameron BarhamDegree: BA,Psychology with a criminal justice minorCollege: College of Liberal ArtsHometown: Allentown, PennsylvaniaGraduation year: 2023

Big Future: A counselor at Allentown Residential, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. He is also attending Chestnut Hill College in the fall to obtain a masters degree in counseling with a concentration in child and adolescent therapy and trauma studies.

Why Temple: After visiting Temple University as a high school senior years ago, Cameron Barham, CLA 23, was immediately drawn to the campus diversity and inclusiveness, as well as its city within a city atmosphere. He felt that Temple would allow him to grow personally and professionally and provide the support he would need to achieve his dreams.

Standout internships: Cameron landed a marketing research internship in 2022 at the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability while studying abroad in Italy. The internship allowed him to apply his knowledge of psychology to the field of marketing through the institutes fashion sustainability project. The opportunity was an eye-opening experience for Cameron because it showed him there were unique and endless ways to apply his degree in the real world including advertising, business and marketing, pathways he had never considered before.

Philly life: As an Allentown native, Cameron quickly came to love the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia. There is so much life always pulsing around him when he steps foot onto the citys sidewalks, and he relishes the feeling because its a stark contrast to his hometown. And, of course, the citys food scene has a special place in Camerons heart. He loves trying out different cuisines at Center City restaurants with his friends and family.

Temple Made moment: Camerons most significant moment at Temple occurred when he switched his major from bioengineering to psychology after his first year. After taking engineering classes and learning about the role of a bioengineer, Cameron realized that he couldnt spend his career focused on lab work. He needed a career where he was able to be more hands-on in addressing social issues and decided to major in psychology and minor in criminal justice.

Hootable: My Temple classes have been pillars for me. They helped pave my way by not only giving me more insight into my career field, but also helping me have a clearer sense of the specific populations I would like to work with. My professors also provided the support I needed to excel in my coursework and connected me with internships that helped launch me into my career after graduation.

- Ayana Jones

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Inside the mind: Temple senior takes the next step toward his dream ... - Temple University News

Bud Light continues to face backlash more than a month after its polarizing pact with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney prompted outrage from conservatives that an industry guru believes was one of the biggest social media misfires of all time.

The saga began when Mulvaney publicized that thebeer companysent packs of Bud Light featuring the influencers face as a way to celebrate a full year of "girlhood." Mulvaney said the cans were her "most prized possession" on Instagram with a post that featured "#budlightpartner."The backlash was swift and parent company Anheuser-Busch has been faced with plummeting sales as a result, losing some $5 billion in market value.

"In my career, and from what I've seen, this has by far been one of the most polarizing instances within the social media space," Viral Nation marketing strategist Emma Ferrara told Fox News Digital.

Ferrara believes Bud Light should have approached the attempt to reach the transgender community, or new customers of any kind, more strategically.

Bud Light continues to face backlash more than a month after its polarizing pact with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney prompted outrage. (Getty)

BUD LIGHT IN SERIOUS TROUBLE OF LOSING STATUS AS TOP-SELLING BEER IN US, INDUSTRY EXPERT WARNS

"When you're looking to connect with a new community, which I think is incredibly important, I think there is a right and wrong way to approach that. And it starts with understanding who your core audience is," she said. "It starts with also understanding who is your brand and what are your values and what's your purpose."

Ferrara feels Bud Light should have figured out how to connect its once-loyal consumer base with the community it was trying to reach, which the beer maker seemingly failed to do. Once-proud consumers across America were outraged that Bud Light celebrated a full year of "girlhood" with a transgendered person, which has emerged as one of the most polarizing issues in America.

Many have scolded Bud Light over the partnership, with everything from blue collar Americans boycotting the product to conservative rock star Kid Rock using severalBud Lightcases for target practice.

Ferrara thinks Bud Light would have been better off bringing in a "real, authentic and credible fan of Bud Light" within the transgender community if it wanted to reach that demographic, as Mulvaney didnt feel like an authentic consumer of the product.

"Brands need to be aware that the transgender community is not a monolith, and individuals within that community have, you know, many different experiences and perspectives and identities," Ferrara said. "That means brands need to conduct thorough research and gain a deep understanding of the nuances within that community. And as well, I think there should have been some steps to really understand their current community and how they feel around that topic."

BUD LIGHTS PACT WITH TRANS ACTIVIST DYLAN MULVANEY SPARKS OUTRAGE, PRAISE

Dylan Mulvaney models Maybelline Makeup products in TikTok video from March. (Screenshot/Oli Londons Twitter account)

The Bud Light situation has been at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist for over a month, and has been a fixture among conservative talking points in recent weeks.

"This very much ties back to the notion that not all publicity is good publicity," Ferrara said.

Things have gotten so ugly that Anheuser-BuschsCEO Michel Doukeris addressed the ordeal on an earnings call with investors on Thursday. He downplayed the brand's partnership, and insisted there is "misinformation" spreading on social media about the company's team-up with Mulvaney.

"We need to clarify the facts that this was one can, one influencer, one post and not a campaign," Doukeris said, noting that the company has provided "direct financial support" to the frontline workers impacted by the boycott, naming delivery drivers, sales representatives, wholesalers, bar owners and servers.

CEO DISTANCES ANHEUSER-BUSCH FROM BUD LIGHT DYLAN MULVANEY CONTROVERSY: 'NOT A FORMAL CAMPAIGN'

Ferrara thinks Doukeris comments missed the mark.

"I really am of the belief that there is no such thing as a small post, or one post, or diminishing the meaning behind that. I do believe that there was an effort to connect with the community and one that, I think, just came about in the wrong way because it was inauthentic, and it wasn't credible," she said.

"When we think about the social space and when we think about partnerships and when we think about diverse groups and creators, including those from the transgender community, I think it's really important for brands to take a step back to ensure that they're relevant, they're authentic and they're credible in regard to the brands need to really develop a thoughtful and nuanced strategy around this," Ferrara continued. "I think it's important that you have the right experts to help you navigate and understand what is the best way to meaningfully connect, and is it even the right community to connect to?"

During Thursdays call, Doukerissaid it was too early to tell how the boycott affected Bud Light sales but was bullish thatAnheuser-Busch will quickly recoverfrom any setback. He reminded investors that the company has navigated global challenges including temporary bans on beer sales in certain countries and shutdowns of bars and restaurants across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The backlash has also led Bud Light toshake up its marketing team.

FOX Business' Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.

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Bud Light still facing outrage after one of 'most polarizing' social media gaffes ever, industry guru says - Fox News

Sociowash has secured the digital mandate for Anko India has recently launched in India. Sociowash won the account in a multi-agency pitch and would be responsible for marketing duties being executed from the Delhi office.

On securing the mandate, Raghav Bagai, co-founder, Sociowash, said, We look forward to providing Anko with complete solutions and creating on-the-fly content, designs, and creatives that resonate with their target audience. With our teams expertise, we will guide and create expected awareness about Anko India, which will help the brand. Being a well-known brand in Australia and standing for its on-trend designs, great quality, and affordable pricing will delight Indian consumers.

According to the mandate, the agency will handle the creative strategies, influencer marketing, media planning and execution, social media promotions, work on big-ticket campaign ideation, ORM etc. The agency will also work towards uplifting the brands position across social media platforms, along with managing analytics and reporting.

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Anko onboards Sociowash as its digital marketing agency - The Financial Express

The spring cohort of strategists concluded their projects with a two-day event, where each team presented their research and recommended business plans to their partnering organizations. Former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who joined UTSA in a non-faculty role in January, and local entrepreneur and philanthropist Harvey E. Najim, the centers namesake and primary donor, were also in attendance to support the students.

This program is so much bigger than just the projects, and we can see that these students are transforming from the first week to the last, said Erica Clark, associate director of the Najim Center. Students gain real-world work experience through these projects, but they also learn lessons in real time about conflict resolution, communication, empathy and how to effectively collaborate with diverse peers to succeed as a group. It's truly a holistic developmental experience, and seeing these students grow as individuals throughout these eight weeks is amazing.

The Najim Strategists worked with seven local organizations this semester. One partnering company was Eat Drink Local Texas, which showcases local eateries, bars and events happening in San Antonio and across the state. Students working with the company were tasked with expanding its audience and increasing its collaborations with local restaurants.

The strategist team proposed selling a marketing services package to target small businesses and food trucks. The package would include services like advertising and social media management.

This program really pushed me out of my own comfort zone. I was involved with a project based around marketing, and I never had any marketing experience in my life, said Pranav Pillai, a first-year student in University College who worked with Eat Drink Local Texas. At first, I didnt know how this would help me in my prospective career of data analytics, however I realized that the skills I learnedlike communication with executives and curating a well-presented ideawould be helpful in many corporate jobs including data analytics. Overall, it did teach me skills that I never knew I needed to learn.

Other area organizations that participated in the strategist program include:

The strategist team that worked with Community First Health Plans helped audit the insurance companys phone systems, informing an updated call flow and scripts that will improve the overall customer experience.

We had a great experience working with the Najim students. We were impressed with their professionalism, collaboration, varied perspectives and the fresh eyes they brought to our corporate challenges, which in itself was a big help, said Judy Razo, executive director of corporate communications and experience at Community First Health Plans. The Najim students presented real-world solutions to complex challenges. We were very happy working with them and look forward to applying again in the future.

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Growth in Najim Strategist program expands experiential learning ... - UTSA