Millions of TikTok users across the United States are facing a sudden halt to their access on the platform, following the enforcement of a federal ban. On Saturday evening, the TikTok app was scrapped from major app stores, including those operated by Apple and Google. In a last-minute notice, users were informed via the website that the app was no longer accessible, marking the start of the blackout just hours before the official law came into effect.
When users attempted to launch TikTok, they encountered a notification that read, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” The message elaborated that legislation prohibiting the use of TikTok had been passed, preventing any further access for U.S. users. The notification also mentioned that President Trump had expressed a willingness to collaborate on a solution that might restore TikTok in the future.
In the pop-up message, users were given limited options: they could either exit the app or visit the platform’s website, which provided the same message, alongside an option to download their data. However, TikTok had previously noted that this data retrieval could require several days to complete. In anticipation of the impending blackout, the company had signaled that its services would soon be “temporarily unavailable” and was actively seeking a means to reinstate them as quickly as possible. The duration of the service interruption remains uncertain.
Apple confirmed the ban on its platform, stating that TikTok and its parent company ByteDance’s apps would no longer be accessible in the U.S. They noted that visitors might still have restricted access, and explained their obligation to adhere to legal mandates in their operating territories. Users who had the apps previously installed would retain them, but these apps would not be available for redownloading if deleted or for new installations on different devices. They also indicated that this shift could affect performance, security, and compatibility with future versions of iOS and iPadOS.
Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok, released a video expressing gratitude to President Trump for his potential support in keeping the app operating in the U.S. and asserted the importance of the First Amendment in combating arbitrary censorship. Chew praised Trump for his connection with TikTok, highlighting his own viewership metrics, which surpassed 60 billion.
During a Saturday interview with NBC News, President Trump suggested a possible extension of TikTok’s operations by 90 days, which might be announced on the day of his inauguration. This evolves from his initial push for a ban and hints at a nuanced approach moving forward. Chew is expected to be present at the inauguration, likely occupying a notable position.
In Washington, there has been considerable concern regarding TikTok, viewed as a national security risk owing to its ownership by a Chinese enterprise. The app’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing and is also responsible for other applications like CapCut and Lemon8, both of which faced the same service termination. To avert a nationwide ban, the federal law stipulated that ByteDance sever its ties with TikTok or comply by a specific deadline.
This law, part of a larger $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel, was promptly signed into law by President Biden, who faces a lawsuit from TikTok on First Amendment grounds for the legal action. In its defense, the Biden administration expressed concerns regarding the vast amounts of American user data that TikTok collects which might be accessed by the Chinese government, as well as the risks of algorithm manipulation potentially affecting content visibility on the platform. Despite these allegations, no public evidence has emerged linking TikTok to the unauthorized sharing of user information with Chinese authorities.
A recent Supreme Court ruling highlighted the precedence of national security over First Amendment considerations regarding the app, leading TikTok to begin its service suspension. In response, some Chinese commentators criticized the U.S. for what they perceive as suppression of digital freedoms, calling the service halt a regrettable moment in the internet’s evolution.
After the court’s decision, both the White House Press Secretary and Deputy Attorney General communicated that the implementation of the law should be managed by the incoming Trump administration. However, TikTok raised concerns on Friday, indicating that without clear direction from the administration, they would be forced to shut down operations.
Despite dismissing TikTok’s demands as theatrics, administration officials acknowledged the confusion leading up to the law’s enactment. With penalties looming for mobile app stores offering TikTok, the legal implications left many uncertainties surrounding how things would proceed post-ban.
Generally, the new legislation does not explicitly require TikTok to cease all operations, which raises questions about the motives behind the decision to halt services. The clarity of the situation continues to evolve as there are ongoing discussions about potential buyers, despite TikTok’s previous refusals to sell. Concurrently, proposals have emerged from entities like Perplexity AI, which seeks to combine its platform with TikTok’s U.S. business structure.
Interest in TikTok’s operations remains high among investors, with some attempting to negotiate substantial buyouts. Figures like Kevin O’Leary and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have made headlines for their respective collaborative offers aimed at acquiring TikTok, reflecting the app’s significant market value amidst the ongoing saga surrounding its future in the U.S.
