TikTok has ceased functioning in the United States and has been removed from the Apple and Google app stores following the enforcement of a law banning the platform. The app, which serves over 170 million users in the U.S., informed its users that the ban had taken effect, making the app temporarily unavailable.
The notification also conveyed that former President Trump had expressed a willingness to collaborate on a solution to restore the app’s availability, urging users to await further updates. In the meantime, President-elect Donald Trump reportedly indicated that he might grant TikTok a 90-day extension after his inauguration on January 20, offering a glimmer of hope for the platform’s return.
TikTok Goes Offline in the US Following Ban Enforcement
TikTok went offline in the United States just hours before a new law banning the app took effect on Sunday. According to the Associated Press, the popular video-sharing platform was also removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Screenshots shared on social media by Tik Tok users, numbering over 170 million in the U.S., displayed a message on the app confirming the ban. The notification read, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” along with a note explaining that the ban had been enforced.
The platform also expressed optimism, stating, “We are grateful that President Trump has indicated his willingness to collaborate with us on a solution to bring TikTok back once he assumes office.”
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US Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban
TikTok recently notified its users that its service would be “temporarily unavailable.” The company assured users that it is actively working to bring back its operations in the United States as soon as possible.
A new law is coming into effect on Sunday. This law prevents mobile app stores and internet hosting platforms from allowing US users to download or access the app.
On Saturday, the Supreme Court confirmed the ban. The court ruled that the popular app could no longer operate in the US due to concerns over national security. The only way to continue operating is if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the app’s US operations to a different company. If this sale doesn’t happen soon, TikTok may stop functioning in the US within two days.
President-elect Donald Trump mentioned on Saturday that he is “most likely” going to give 90 more days to finalize a deal. This extension could give ByteDance extra time to meet the legal requirements and sell the app’s US operations.
Last year, a law was passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden. This law required ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US business within nine months. However, the law also allows the president to extend the deadline if negotiations for a sale are still ongoing. This means fate in the US now depends on whether a sale is finalized or if more time is granted.
This situation has created uncertainty for TikTok users in the US, as they wait to see whether the app will be able to continue operating.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why is TikTok banned in the US?
Ans. The app was banned in the US due to national security concerns, with the US government requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app’s US operations.
Q.2. What happened to TikTok in the US?
Ans. The app has been removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and is temporarily unavailable to users in the US due to the enforcement of the ban.
Q.3. Can TikTok return to the US?
Ans. The app could return to the US if its parent company, ByteDance, sells the US operations to an approved buyer or if President-elect Donald Trump grants an extension.
Q.4. Is TikTok available on any app stores in the US?
Ans. No, the app has been removed from both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, making it unavailable for download in the US.
Q.5. How long could TikTok be banned in the US?
Ans. The app may be banned for an extended period unless ByteDance completes a sale of its US operations or the US president grants more time for negotiations.
