TikTok has warned that it may go offline in the US on Sunday if the government does not intervene before a ban is enforced. The social media platform expressed disappointment in the lack of clarity and guarantees from the Biden administration and the Department of Justice, crucial for ensuring TikTok's continued availability.
Without prompt government assurances that it won't face repercussions for violating the impending ban, TikTok stated it would have to cease operations on January 19. This announcement comes after a Supreme Court ruling on Friday supporting a law requiring the app's Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok by Sunday to avoid being banned in the US.
TikTok had contested the law, arguing that it infringed upon free speech rights of its 170 million users in the US. However, the Supreme Court's decision implies that the US version of the app will be delisted from app stores and web hosting services unless a buyer is identified soon.
Previously believed to spare existing TikTok users, the new statement indicates that the app might become inaccessible to both current users and potential new downloads. As President Biden's term concludes on Monday and President Trump takes office, the responsibility to enforce the ban would fall on the incoming administration.
Although President Trump had initially backed the ban, he now signals hesitance, stating that a decision on TikTok will be made after reviewing the circumstances. ByteDance has maintained its stance against selling TikTok and announced intentions to shut down US operations unless a reprieve is granted.
Last year, bipartisan support led to a decision to ban TikTok due to concerns regarding its ties to the Chinese government, which the platform has consistently denied.