As the potential ban on TikTok hangs in the balance, attention is shifting towards major tech firms like Google and Apple, which may be compelled to remove the app from their platforms imminently. This uncertainty heightens with the Supreme Court’s recent unanimous decision that supports a federal law likely to prohibit TikTok’s operation across the nation. The implications of this ruling remain unclear, especially regarding what American users can expect at the stroke of midnight on Sunday.
The backdrop of this situation is complicated by President-elect Donald Trump’s declarations of negotiating a resolution post-inauguration, alongside the current Biden administration’s position that it will not enforce the ban starting Sunday, which happens to be the last full day of President Biden in office. As such, analysts and many TikTok users are now closely monitoring developments over the weekend and further into the future.
According to Sarak Kreps, director of the Tech Policy Institute at Cornell University, the current landscape presents unprecedented challenges in terms of technology policy. Under the enacted law, mobile application platforms such as Apple’s and Google’s could face substantial penalties—up to $5,000 for every user who accesses TikTok past the deadline, making fines potentially astronomical.
In response to the situation, TikTok issued a statement on social media late Friday, addressing the lack of clear guidance from the Biden administration and the Department of Justice, which are considered critical for enabling the app’s continued availability to the 170 million users in the U.S. TikTok warns that unless definitive assurances are provided about non-enforcement, the service may cease operations on January 19.
While experts believe that existing users might still access TikTok for the time being, they will likely be unable to update the app, which raises concerns about its long-term functionality. This week, Trump’s national security adviser hinted that the incoming administration could take measures to prevent TikTok from shutting down, though the details of such actions and their legality are still in question.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed his consideration of TikTok as a topic of discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, tech giants offering TikTok on their platforms—such as Apple and Google—have been under scrutiny. These companies have been working to cultivate amicable relations with Trump since his election, as he advocates for a postponement of the ban. Nevertheless, Kreps argues that allowing TikTok to remain available could be impractical for them due to the risk of facing hefty fines.
Tech companies are accustomed to complying with governmental requests to remove apps. For instance, Apple reported removing nearly 1,500 apps globally in 2023 alone, with a significant number of those removals occurring in China. Senator Tom Cotton remarked on social media that potential penalties for firms like Apple and Google could reach an astonishing $850 billion, questioning whether those corporations would trust political assurances regarding the ban.
David Choffnes from Northeastern University expressed skepticism about TikTok avoiding a ban, asserting that doing so would entail significant risks for the companies involved. When asked, none of the major tech companies provided comments on their intentions regarding TikTok.
Friday’s message from TikTok CEO Shou Chew indicated optimism about an ongoing partnership with Trump, as he thanked the president-elect for his willingness to engage in dialogue that might preserve the platform. He acknowledged Trump’s proficiency with TikTok and the substantial viewership generated by his content.
Earlier this week, TikTok informed its U.S. workforce that offices would continue to operate regardless of how the situation unfolds, ensuring employees that their jobs, salaries, and benefits remain intact, despite the law’s potential impact on user experience.
Additionally, a letter penned by attorney Jeffrey Fisher, representing TikTok creators who have sued the government, urged the Biden administration to suspend enforcement of the law until clearer guidelines are established. The letter requested assurance that no app store or internet service provider would face enforcement risks while the situation remains unresolved.
