TikTok has gone dark for 170 million users in the United States. On Saturday evening, just hours before a federal law banning the platform took effect, users were locked out of the app. When they tried to open TikTok, they were met with a stark message: “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The app disappears
By 10:50 PM Eastern Time, TikTok was no longer available on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. The app had been removed following a law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell the platform or face a nationwide ban. As promised, the app went offline, leaving millions of users frustrated and social media abuzz.
Social media users reported that the app had stopped functioning late Saturday. The once-popular video-sharing platform was now inaccessible, and its absence from app stores added to the chaos. Other ByteDance-owned apps, including CapCut and Lemon8, were also unavailable in the U.S.
Trump’s potential lifeline
Despite the sudden blackout, TikTok pinned its hopes on former President Donald Trump. In a pop-up message to users, the company expressed optimism. “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned,” the message read.
Earlier, President-elect Trump had hinted at granting TikTok a 90-day extension after his inauguration on Monday. Speaking to NBC, he said, “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
This statement provided a glimmer of hope for TikTok and its users. The app cited Trump’s remarks in its notice, urging users to hold on for a potential resolution.
A long road to the ban
The TikTok ban didn’t happen overnight. The platform’s ties to China have long been a point of contention in U.S. politics. Critics claimed the app posed national security risks, accusing ByteDance of sharing user data with the Chinese government. This led to intense legal battles and political debates.
The Biden administration’s outgoing stance left little room for negotiation. TikTok had warned it would “go dark” if no assurances were given that the ban wouldn’t be enforced. True to its word, the platform ceased operations on Sunday.
Social media in turmoil
TikTok’s shutdown sent shockwaves across social media. Users flooded platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their disappointment and confusion. The hashtag #TikTokBan trended throughout the weekend as millions tried to make sense of the sudden disappearance.
For many, TikTok was more than just an app. It was a community, a source of entertainment, and even a livelihood. The ban left creators scrambling to find alternative platforms to reach their audiences.
What’s next?
As the nation awaits Trump’s potential intervention, TikTok’s future remains uncertain. If Trump grants the 90-day extension, ByteDance may have more time to negotiate a sale or find another solution. However, the path forward is riddled with challenges.
ByteDance’s other apps, such as CapCut and Lemon8, also face an uncertain fate. Their removal from app stores suggests that the crackdown on Chinese-owned platforms could extend beyond TikTok.
For now, TikTok’s millions of U.S. users can only wait and hope. With Trump’s return to office just days away, all eyes are on him to decide the app’s fate. Will TikTok make a comeback, or is this the end of the road for the beloved platform in America? Time will tell.
