U.S. TikTok ban takes effect, leaving users without access. ByteDance awaits President-elect Trump’s decision on a potential 90-day reprieve.
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| TikTok goes dark in the U.S. amid a national ban. The platform seeks a resolution as Trump signals a likely extension to negotiate its future. Image: ChicHue |
Washington, DC, USA — January 19, 2025:
TikTok went offline in the U.S. late Saturday, disappearing from Apple and Google app stores as a law banning the platform took effect Sunday. The app, used by 170 million Americans, notified users that it was no longer available but expressed hope for a resolution under President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office Monday.
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” the message read. It added that Trump had indicated he would likely grant a 90-day reprieve to work on a solution.
The shutdown marks the first time the U.S. has banned a major social media platform. The law, passed by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court, requires TikTok to sever ties with its China-based parent ByteDance or cease U.S. operations. ByteDance’s other apps, such as CapCut and Lemon8, were also removed from U.S. app stores.
Trump told NBC the extension was “most likely” and “appropriate,” though the app remained inaccessible for most users. The ban has sparked concerns about U.S.-China relations, social media competition, and the economic impact on millions of users and businesses reliant on TikTok.
Many users turned to alternatives like RedNote or explored VPNs to regain access. Rivals Meta and Snap have seen stock gains as investors anticipate an influx of TikTok users and advertisers.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration Sunday, signaling efforts to negotiate a resolution. Meanwhile, interest in TikTok’s U.S. operations has surged, with reports of bids from Frank McCourt, Elon Musk, and U.S. startup Perplexity AI.
As the ban unfolds, the platform’s cultural and economic influence hangs in the balance, with its fate tied to political negotiations in the days ahead.