A sweeping ban on TikTok has taken effect in the United States, leaving millions of users unable to access the popular video-sharing app. This development follows months of debate over the app’s ties to its China-based parent company, ByteDance, and national security concerns raised by US lawmakers.
Late Saturday, US users reported being greeted with a message on TikTok stating that a law banning the app had come into force, making it temporarily unavailable. The app also disappeared from Apple and Google app stores, and TikTok.com ceased displaying videos, in line with the ban’s conditions.
Background to the Ban
The ban stems from a US law passed in April last year requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to an approved US buyer by January 19, 2025. ByteDance has not complied, prompting the ban’s enforcement.
President Joe Biden had previously stated he would defer the issue to his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated he may grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve to find a resolution.
“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC News, hinting at a possible announcement on Monday after his inauguration.
Community Fallout
The platform’s shutdown has left TikTok’s 170 million US users scrambling. Content creators, educators, and influencers have expressed frustration and uncertainty about their futures without the app.
Nicole Bloomgarden, a popular creator, said the loss of TikTok would severely impact her income. Erika Thompson, another user, noted that the platform’s educational content would be a major loss for the community.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has expressed optimism for a resolution, thanking Trump for his willingness to collaborate. Chew is expected to attend the inauguration to continue discussions.
Global Implications
While the US has taken this unprecedented step, other countries have signaled different approaches. In the UK, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones confirmed there were no plans to ban TikTok for consumers, though the app remains prohibited on government devices due to security concerns.
“For consumers who want to post videos of their cats dancing, that doesn’t seem like a security threat to me,” Jones remarked.
Next Steps
As the Biden administration transitions to the Trump presidency, the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. The platform has pledged to work on a solution to restore its services, leaving users hopeful for a quick resolution to the standoff.
