TikTok Goes Dark in the U.S. Amid Federal Ban, Users' Future Uncertain
Washington D.C. (EPICSTORIAN) – TikTok abruptly shut down in the United States late Saturday night, just hours before a federal ban was set to take effect.
The app, which had 170 million American users, displayed a stark message:” Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The shutdown follows a unanimous Supreme Court ruling upholding a bipartisan law that prohibits TikTok’s operation unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its American assets to a U.S.-based or allied buyer.
The legislation, signed by President Joe Biden, aims to address national security concerns over data privacy and foreign influence.
Trump Suggests a Possible Reprieve
Despite the app’s blackout, its fate may not be sealed just yet. President-elect Donald Trump told NBC News he is considering a 90-day extension of the ban once he takes office on Monday.
“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump said. He added that a final decision would be announced after his inauguration.
TikTok’s sudden removal from Apple’s App Store and Google Play suggests that major tech providers have begun complying with the ban. Other ByteDance-owned apps, including CapCut, have also gone offline.
US-based Users’ Security Concerns Led To Federal Ban
U.S. lawmakers have long voiced concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ties, arguing that its vast data collection poses a national security risk. Despite multiple legal challenges, the Supreme Court upheld the ban in a 9-0 decision.
The law includes a clause allowing the president to delay enforcement for 90 days if significant progress is made toward selling TikTok to an American company. However, ByteDance has so far resisted such a move, citing the app’s popularity and economic impact on small businesses.
Reports suggest that TikTok CEO Shou Chew has held private discussions with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in recent weeks. He is also expected to attend the president-elect’s inauguration.
White House Confirms Last-Minute Decision Will Be Trump’s Call
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the Biden administration would not enforce the ban on its final day in office, leaving the decision to the incoming president.
However, concerns over legal liabilities prompted tech giants like Google and Apple to remove TikTok from their platforms, effectively cutting off access for millions of users.
A TikTok spokesperson, as reported by CNN, expressed optimism about a potential resolution, stating, “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to restore TikTok as soon as possible.”
China Condemns U.S. Action
Beijing has strongly criticized the ban, calling it an “unjustified attack” on a foreign company. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy warned that China would take “all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
What’s Next for TikTok?
While TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, some industry analysts believe it could return under new ownership. AI search engine startup Perplexity AI has already submitted a bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. assets, signaling potential avenues for the app’s revival.
Meanwhile, millions of former users are seeking alternatives, with social media giants like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts experiencing a surge in activity. Searches for VPN services have also skyrocketed as users attempt to bypass the ban.
For now, TikTok’s fate rests on Trump’s upcoming decision and whether ByteDance is willing to reconsider a sale.
