TikTok ceased operations in the United States late Saturday and was removed from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law taking effect on Sunday that mandates its shutdown. President-elect Donald Trump suggested granting a 90-day reprieve post his inauguration on Monday, as shared in a message by TikTok to its users on the app. The law's significant effects on U.S.-China relations, domestic politics, and millions of Americans relying on the app economically and culturally are unprecedented.
The United States has never before banned a major social media platform. The law gives the incoming Trump administration broad powers to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps. Other apps by ByteDance, such as CapCut and Lemon8, were also offline in U.S. app stores.
Regarding the potential 90-day extension, Trump stated, "If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday," to NBC. Despite the uncertainty, TikTok was no longer functioning for many users, and attempts to access it via a web application led to the same notice of it being unavailable.
TikTok's looming shutdown, affecting a significant portion of Americans, prompted concerns about upholding national security. The White House under Biden clarified it was up to the incoming administration to address the situation. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the U.S.'s actions regarding TikTok.
The uncertain future of the app had users, particularly younger ones, altering their online activities, with some moving to alternative platforms like X and seeking VPN services. Concerns arose about receiving purchases made on TikTok Shop, the platform's e-commerce section.
As the situation unfolds, various stakeholders, including potential suitors and technological firms, are vying for involvement in TikTok's future, with bids and potential mergers being discussed. The company's worth is estimated at around $50 billion, and speculations persist about its potential buyers and prospective arrangements under the new administration.