TikTok Goes Dark in the U.S. Ahead of National Ban

TikTok ceased operations in the United States late Saturday, disappearing from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law taking effect on Sunday that mandates the app’s shutdown. The move impacts 170 million American users and marks a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s efforts to address perceived national security threats posed by the Chinese-owned platform.

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, informed users attempting to access the app around 10:45 p.m. ET (0345 GMT) that the platform had been rendered unavailable. A message displayed on the app read: “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned.”

Trump Promises Potential Reprieve

President-elect Donald Trump suggested earlier in the day that he would “most likely” grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve after he takes office on Monday. Speaking to NBC, Trump stated, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.” TikTok cited this assurance in its notification to users.

Other ByteDance-owned applications, such as the video editing tool CapCut and the social platform Lemon8, also went offline and were removed from U.S. app stores late Saturday.

Uncertainty and Legal Battle

TikTok users trying to log in late Saturday encountered a message indicating that the app’s services were “temporarily unavailable” due to the new law. While it remains unclear if any U.S. users still have access to the app, most reported being unable to use it, and attempts to access TikTok via a web browser returned the same notification.

The shutdown follows a law passed last year that required TikTok to sever ties with ByteDance or cease operations in the U.S. by Sunday. The law, upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling, was enacted to address concerns that the app could pose a risk to national security by allowing the Chinese government access to sensitive user data.

TikTok’s influence in the U.S. has been significant, shaping online culture, empowering small businesses, and captivating nearly half of the nation’s population. The company warned on Friday that it would go dark unless the Biden administration provided assurances to Apple and Google that they would not face penalties for hosting the app once the ban took effect.

White House Response

The Biden administration has deferred action to the incoming Trump administration. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated this position on Saturday, stating, “We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday.”

ByteDance did not respond to requests for comment on the latest developments. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Washington accused the U.S. of unfairly targeting TikTok. A spokesperson stated, “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”

As millions of users wait in limbo, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, hinging on the incoming administration’s willingness to negotiate a resolution.

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