TikTok disconnected U.S. user access late Saturday, just hours before a nationwide ban on the app took effect.
The move follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations to non-Chinese buyers in the name of national security.
Shutdown Notice to Users
A message displayed to TikTok users attempting to access the app stated:
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The message added that President-elect Donald Trump plans to work toward a solution to reinstate the app after his inauguration on Monday.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution. Please stay tuned!”
Legal Stalemate and Trump’s Possible Intervention
Outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration has deferred the issue to Trump. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, expressed gratitude to Trump, saying he appreciates the President-elect’s “commitment to work with us to find a solution.” Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Speaking to NBC News, Trump hinted at a potential 90-day reprieve:
“The 90-day extension is something we’ll most likely activate because it’s appropriate.” He indicated he may announce his decision on Monday.
The law permits a delay if significant progress toward a sale is shown. However, ByteDance has firmly rejected the idea of selling the app. In the meantime, Apple and Google are required to remove TikTok from their app stores, and Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s servers, is legally obligated to enforce the ban.
Industry and User Reactions
The ban leaves TikTok’s U.S.-based rivals, including Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, in a position to benefit. Meanwhile, thousands of TikTok users have migrated to Xiaohongshu (“Little Red Book”), a Chinese platform similar to Instagram. Dubbed “Red Note” by U.S. users, the app became the most downloaded on Apple’s U.S. App Store this week.
Offers and Alternative Solutions
Despite the ban, efforts to find a workaround continue. On Saturday, Perplexity AI, a promising U.S. start-up backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, proposed a merger with TikTok’s U.S. subsidiary. The deal, reportedly worth at least $50 billion, could allow ByteDance to retain partial ownership.
Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has also expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations, supported by Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary. However, legal experts warn that even a Trump executive order lifting the ban could face challenges.
“Congress wrote this law to be virtually president-proof,” cautioned Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the industry trade group Chamber of Progress.
Future Uncertainty
With TikTok’s future in the U.S. uncertain, questions remain about the broader implications for global tech companies and cross-border data security. While Trump’s presidency may bring temporary relief, experts warn that lasting resolution will require complex negotiations and legal clarity.
For now, millions of American users await Trump’s next move, hoping for a solution that allows TikTok to return to their screens.
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Source: Vietnam Insider