Washington: TikTok shut down operations in the United States late Saturday, just hours before a nationwide ban took effect.
Message Greets Blocked Users
Visitors to TikTok were greeted with a pop-up message: “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.” This sudden blackout cut off 170 million American users from one of the world’s most popular apps.
Supreme Court Upholds Ban
The shutdown follows a Supreme Court ruling on Friday upholding a bipartisan law passed in April. Signed by President Joe Biden, the legislation bans TikTok unless it is sold to a U.S.-based or allied buyer. The app has long been criticized for security concerns linked to its Chinese ownership.
Possible Return on the Horizon
TikTok hinted at a potential return as early as Monday. A message to users stated, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he’ll work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
Trump Mulls Temporary Extension
In a Saturday phone interview with NBC News, President-elect Donald Trump indicated he might delay TikTok’s ban for 90 days. “The 90-day extension is something we’ll most likely do because it’s appropriate,” Trump said. He confirmed a decision could be announced Monday, adding, “It’s a very big situation, and we need to consider it carefully.”
Impact of TikTok’s Sudden Disappearance
Beyond its blackout, TikTok vanished from Apple’s App Store, while users on Google’s Play Store encountered download errors. Apps from TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, including CapCut, displayed similar shutdown messages.
National Security Concerns
Lawmakers have consistently raised concerns about TikTok’s ties to China, citing risks over the vast data the app collects. The app’s removal marks the latest chapter in an ongoing debate about its security implications and future in the U.S.
TikTok’s shutdown—and the possibility of reinstatement under new conditions—leaves the fate of the app uncertain. Users and lawmakers alike await further updates.
