TikTok, the popular short-form video app, has officially gone dark across the United States following the enforcement of a federal law that bans its use. Millions of Americans have been affected, with the app disappearing from Apple’s App Store and Google Play as of Saturday evening. This significant move stems from ongoing concerns about potential Chinese surveillance through TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
Users are informed as the app vanishes
The first signs of the ban emerged at approximately 10:30 p.m. Eastern when TikTok users started receiving a stark message upon accessing the app. The notification read, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok at this time.”
Despite this, the message offered hope, suggesting the ban could be temporary. TikTok noted that President-elect Donald Trump has indicated plans to work towards a resolution to reinstate the app once he takes office. Users were encouraged to “stay tuned” for updates.
Legal battles and government actions
The app’s removal follows a series of escalating events. Earlier in the week, TikTok warned that it would “go dark” unless the Biden administration said the ban wouldn’t be enforced. This comes after bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate passed legislation in April requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban. President Joe Biden signed the bill swiftly into law.
While the issue’s roots trace back to the Trump administration’s initial efforts to force a divestiture of TikTok, recent developments have seen Trump take a more conciliatory tone. He asked the Supreme Court to delay the ban and expressed his intention to grant TikTok a 90-day extension, citing the need for a thorough review.
On Friday, however, the Supreme Court upheld the law, paving the way for its enforcement. The Biden administration deferred responsibility to the incoming Trump administration. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “Actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco echoed this, saying the process of enforcing and ensuring compliance with the law would unfold over time. However, TikTok argued that this lack of assurance left service providers in a precarious position, leading to the app’s disappearance.
What’s next for TikTok?
While TikTok’s absence has left users scrambling for alternatives, the app’s future remains uncertain. President-elect Trump has reiterated plans to negotiate a resolution involving a sale or other concessions from ByteDance. Despite ByteDance’s reluctance to sell, Trump’s administration appears optimistic about finding a solution.
Several potential buyers have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, with proposals ranging from mergers to independent bids. Notable names include billionaire Frank McCourt and tech firm Perplexity AI. Meanwhile, TikTok has dismissed reports of a potential deal involving Elon Musk as “pure fiction.”
For now, TikTok’s millions of US users are left in limbo, exploring alternative platforms like RedNote and Lemon8 as they await the app’s possible return. Whether through a 90-day extension or a permanent resolution, the coming weeks will likely determine TikTok’s fate in the United States.
