TikTok goes offline in the US hours before ban due to come in

TikTok Goes Offline in the US Hours Before Ban Takes Effect

The popular social media platform TikTok has gone offline in the United States, mere hours before a law banning the app was set to take effect.

US users trying to access the app were met with a message explaining that the ban had been enacted:
“You can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”

This development comes as TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, failed to meet the Sunday deadline to sell the platform, as required by a law passed in April 2024.

TikTok Ban and Legal Battle

The ban follows a Supreme Court ruling on Friday that upheld the controversial law. Lawmakers cited national security concerns, fearing that TikTok could share American users’ data with the Chinese government—claims the platform has consistently denied.

The law, supported by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, required ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US operations by 19 January 2025 or face a ban. Despite ByteDance’s refusal to sell, TikTok had been in talks with the incoming Trump administration for a possible reprieve.

Outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration maintained that it was up to President-elect Donald Trump to take further action after his inauguration on Monday.

“We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Trump’s Possible 90-Day Reprieve

In a statement on Saturday, Trump hinted that TikTok could be granted a 90-day reprieve, allowing the platform to continue operating temporarily while discussions take place.

“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC News. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, responded by expressing gratitude to Trump for his willingness to find a solution.

Chew, who is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, previously stated: “We are committed to working with the incoming administration to restore TikTok in the US.”

TikTok Goes Dark Across Platforms

As of Sunday morning:

• TikTok has been removed from Apple and Google’s US app stores.
• The TikTok.com website no longer displays videos for US users.
• A message on the app informed users that services were “temporarily unavailable.”

This effectively cuts off new downloads and updates, potentially rendering the app obsolete for current users over time.

The situation has left TikTok creators and their followers in disarray. Many users posted farewell messages in the hours leading up to the shutdown.

Impact on TikTok Creators

TikTok’s sudden removal has left content creators scrambling to adjust.

• Nicole Bloomgarden, a TikTok creator, told the BBC:
  “Not being on TikTok will result in a significant salary cut. This was my primary source of income.”
• Erika Thompson, another user, highlighted the loss of educational content on the platform:
  “Educational videos, particularly on niche topics, have built a strong community on TikTok. This is the biggest loss for us.”

Many creators are now considering shifting their content to other platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight.

The Final Hours Before Shutdown

Leading up to the shutdown, TikTok issued a warning to its US users:
“The law will force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We’re working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible.”

While TikTok’s fate now rests with Trump, the app’s sudden disappearance has sparked outrage and concern among its 170 million US users.

The law has also raised questions about its impact on free speech protections and the future of social media regulation in the US.

What Happens Next?

1. Trump’s Decision:
   The incoming administration is expected to announce its stance on TikTok on Monday. If a 90-day reprieve is granted, TikTok could resume operations while ByteDance explores potential solutions.
2. Impact on Other Apps:
   The ban has also put other Chinese-owned platforms, such as Lemon8, under scrutiny, with fears they could face similar restrictions.
3. Long-Term Consequences:
   This landmark case sets a precedent for how the US government regulates foreign-owned apps, raising concerns about digital sovereignty and free speech.

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