TikTok Goes Offline in the US as Ban Begins – TikTok, the wildly popular video-sharing app, went offline across the United States on Saturday night, hours before a congressionally mandated ban was set to take effect. The shutdown impacts an estimated 170 million American users and marks a dramatic turn in the long-running saga over the app’s future in the country.
From Viral Videos to Blank Screens
Users attempting to access TikTok were greeted with a stark message- A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.” The app also hinted at potential hope, stating, We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.
The ban, which was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday, stems from concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential data security risks. The law requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to a U.S. or allied buyer or face prohibition.
Other ByteDance-owned apps, including the popular video editor CapCut, also went dark for American users.
Last-Minute Drama and Political Maneuvering
While the Biden administration stated it wouldn’t enforce the ban before leaving office, major service providers independently decided to cut ties with TikTok, fearing potential legal repercussions. This prompted TikTok’s preemptive shutdown.
President-elect Donald Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, has now emerged as a potential lifeline for the app. Trump suggested he might delay the ban for 90 days after taking office, stating, The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate.
Trump’s shift in stance follows recent meetings with TikTok CEO Shou Chew and the former president’s own popularity on the platform during his 2024 campaign.
What’s Next for TikTok?
The situation remains fluid, with conflicting opinions within political circles. Some Republican senators are pushing for immediate enforcement of the ban, while others see potential for negotiation.
There’s speculation that TikTok could be back online as early as Monday, depending on Trump’s actions after his inauguration. At least one company, AI startup Perplexity, has already submitted a bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations.
As millions of Americans face a TikTok-less landscape, the app’s fate hangs in the balance. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the platform can find a path forward in the U.S. or if this shutdown marks the end of an era in social media.
