TikTok has warned that it will need to cease operations in the US by Sunday unless the government steps in before the impending ban goes into effect. The law, enacted in April last year, mandates ByteDance to sell the US platform to avoid a complete ban. However, TikTok has contested the law in court, arguing that it infringes on free speech rights for its 170 million American users.
The Supreme Court's recent ruling dictates that the US version of the app must be removed from app stores and hosting services if a buyer is not secured promptly. This means that while existing users may retain the app on their phones, it will gradually degrade as updates become unavailable post-ban enforcement, rendering it unusable over time.
In a recent statement, TikTok hinted that the app could become inaccessible to both existing and potential users moving forward. Content creators have begun bidding farewell to their followers on the platform, directing them to alternative platforms such as the Chinese app Red Note. With the impending ban coinciding with the end of President Joe Biden's term and the inauguration of Donald Trump, the responsibility to enforce the law is set to shift to the incoming president.
Donald Trump, who initially supported the ban, now seeks more time to review the TikTok situation before making a decision. ByteDance has affirmed its stance against selling TikTok and plans to shutter its US operations if no reprieve is granted. The bipartisan TikTok bill signed by Biden in April 2024 stipulates that ByteDance must sell its controlling stake within six months to avoid being blocked in the US.
The debate surrounding TikTok intersects with concerns over national security and potential espionage, with cybersecurity experts cautioning about data collection beyond the app's usage. US officials have raised alarm over China's potential influence through TikTok, with Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasizing the need to safeguard American data from foreign exploitation.
Despite the ongoing legal battles and political discourse, TikTok contends that it has not compromised user data and maintains its commitment to free speech. The platform has emphasized the adverse impact a ban would have on its employees, advertisers, and content creators, reflecting the intricate web of interests at stake amid the escalating confrontation.