- TikTok went offline in the US hours before a nationwide ban was to take effect.
- The US Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok unless sold to a US-aligned buyer.
- ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has refused to sell despite pressure.
- TikTok hinted at a possible return as soon as Monday.
- President-elect Trump signaled he may delay the ban for 90 days upon taking office.
On Saturday night, TikTok suddenly went offline in the United States, leaving 170 million users unable to access the app. This happened just two hours before a federal ban on the platform was about to take effect. The US Supreme Court upheld the ban on Friday after Congress passed it with bipartisan support in April.
When users tried to log in, they saw a message saying, “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 ban prevents American companies from hosting TikTok’s content unless ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, sells it to a US-based or allied buyer. ByteDance, however, refused to sell.
What’s Next for TikTok?
TikTok has suggested that the app’s removal could be temporary. In a pop-up message, the company stated:
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”
President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, told NBC News on Saturday that he is considering delaying the ban by 90 days.
“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate. We need to look at this carefully—it’s a very big situation,” he said.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, has reportedly met with Trump in recent weeks and is expected to attend the inauguration. ByteDance has expressed confidence that a resolution can be reached soon.
The Ban’s National Security Concerns
The ban on TikTok stems from national security concerns, as lawmakers and intelligence officials have long warned that the app’s ties to China pose risks. Critics argue that TikTok’s access to vast amounts of user data could allow the Chinese government to surveil American citizens, including federal employees. TikTok has consistently denied these allegations.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton said on social media:
“ByteDance and its Chinese Communist masters had nine months to sell TikTok before the Sunday deadline. The fact that they refuse shows what TikTok truly is: a communist spy app.”
The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., accused the US of unfairly targeting TikTok, stating:
“China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
How the Ban Impacts Users and Businesses
TikTok’s sudden blackout has left many users uncertain about the future of the app. Influencers and small businesses that rely on the platform for income have expressed concerns. Nicole Bloomgarden, a fashion designer and TikTok content creator, told:
“Indirectly, TikTok was the majority of my income because brands want their stuff promoted on the app.”
Meanwhile, TikTok alternatives like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have surged in popularity. Lemon8, a ByteDance-owned photo-sharing app, has also gained traction but may face a similar fate if the TikTok ban is enforced.
Legal and Administrative Tensions
The law allows the president to delay enforcement of the ban for 90 days, provided there is evidence of progress toward selling TikTok to a US-aligned buyer. However, ByteDance has repeatedly rejected potential buyers, arguing that TikTok’s popularity among Americans and its value to small businesses make a sale unnecessary.
Outgoing President Biden’s administration signaled it would not enforce the ban before Trump takes office. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said:
“Actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. Companies should address their concerns with them.”
However, TikTok preemptively took itself offline, citing concerns from service providers such as Apple and Google. These companies feared legal repercussions for hosting TikTok after the ban’s effective date.
A Temporary Blackout?
Trump’s recent public statements suggest that TikTok might not stay offline for long. Many believe he could issue an executive order to delay the ban and give more time for negotiations. This possibility has sparked some optimism among TikTok’s massive user base and those closely watching the situation.
Analyst Richard Greenfield from LightShed Partners shared his thoughts, saying, “TikTok will ultimately stay online in the United States. The economic value is too significant.” His remarks have added weight to the belief that TikTok’s shutdown may only be temporary.
Interestingly, Trump has also used TikTok to promote his own content, even boasting about his billions of views on the platform. This apparent fondness for the app has led many to speculate that his administration might prioritize finding a compromise rather than enforcing a prolonged ban.
Despite this, TikTok’s future in the US remains unclear. The blackout underscores how tricky it is to balance national security concerns with the app’s widespread popularity. For now, TikTok users and creators can only wait, watch, and hope for a solution in the coming days.