TikTok is the result of a federal law banning the popular short-video app for millions of Americans — at least for now.
TikTok users started receiving messages about the ban at 10:30 PM Eastern on Saturday, and the app disappeared from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
“Sorry, TikTok is currently unavailable,” the company's message said. “Unfortunately, the law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US, which means you can't use TikTok right now.”
The message suggests that this may only be a temporary loss. TikTok told users to “Stay tuned!” as President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would work with us on a recycling solution once TikTok takes office.
The company warned earlier this week that the app was about to disappear. “It's getting dark” on Friday. Unless President Joe Biden's administration makes a “definitive announcement” that the ban will not be enforced.
Most of the party members house versus Senate TikTok's owner, ByteDance, confirmed last April that it would either see it banned in the United States or have it banned in the United States due to concerns over potential Chinese surveillance and propaganda. Biden quickly signed the bill.. While trying Ask ByteDance to remove it. Back to Trump's first administration; Lately he has taken a different tone. Trump He asked the Supreme Court to stay the ban. He said he would come. “almost” Give the company a 90-day extension.
The Supreme Court issued a verdict. They are waiting for the law.; And the Biden administration seems willing. Leave the fate of the app in the hands of the next president.. With the law taking effect ahead of Trump's inauguration on Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that “actions to implement the law should fall to the next administration.” “Effective January 19th, the next phase of our efforts to ensure compliance with the law is a process that will change over time,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement.
But TikTok suggested that unless the Biden administration issued the aforementioned “definitive statement” that was not enough assurance for “critical service providers” to continue listing or hosting the app in the United States. Jean-Pierre called TikTok's response a “stunt” and added, “There is no reason to take action against TikTok or other companies in the days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday.”
Stunt or not, TikTok is gone now.
Regarding the app's long-term prospects, Trump said he plans to make a “negotiated settlement” that would include a sale from ByteDance or other concessions. He has repeatedly said he is not interested in selling. Trump seems optimistic about its prospects..
Trump added to NBC News. On Saturday, he said he would give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban once he takes office.
“I think that's going to be an option that we're looking at. A 90-day extension is the most likely thing to do because it's reasonable. It's appropriate, you know? You have to look at it carefully. It's a very big situation,” Trump told the outlet.
Sunday morning An executive order has been announced. The ban was delayed on Monday and it was also revealed that the United States would acquire 50% ownership in a joint venture between the existing owners and/or new owners.
Many potential buyers have thrown their hats in the ring, hoping to get a shot from billionaire Frank McCourt, TikTok's 170 million users. “The People's Bidding” To fight Perplexity AI, which proposes integration.
There was even a report that it was the Chinese government. I'm considering selling to Elon Musk. As part of a broader deal with the Trump administration. A TikTok spokesperson called the report “pure fiction.”
Meanwhile, there are other Chinese-owned apps like RedNote and Lemon8. Received a promotion. TikTok users are looking for alternatives. However, Lemon8, which is owned by ByteDance, is also included. Other apps now closed.
This post has been updated to reflect Trump's statements and additional apps blocked by law.