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Millions of TikTok users across the United States are grappling with the platform’s sudden shutdown after a federal ban on the app officially took effect.
On Saturday evening, the TikTok app was removed from major app stores, including those operated by Apple and Google. Users attempting to access the app were met with a pop-up message stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” preventing them from viewing or scrolling through videos. The app’s website displayed a similar message, informing users they could no longer access the service but offering the option to download their data—a process that could take several days.

“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.,” the notification read, citing the federal statute as the reason for the app’s unavailability. The message also referenced President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to work toward reinstating the platform once he assumes office.
Background on the Ban
The federal law, signed by President Joe Biden, required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sever ties with the app by Sunday or face a nationwide ban. Passed as part of a $95 billion package funding foreign aid, the law has faced criticism from TikTok and ByteDance, which argued it violates First Amendment rights.
U.S. lawmakers and officials have long raised concerns about TikTok’s ties to China, citing potential risks of user data being accessed by the Chinese government. ByteDance, based in Beijing, also owns other popular apps like CapCut and Lemon8, both of which became unavailable to U.S. users alongside TikTok.
The Supreme Court upheld the law, emphasizing national security concerns over the free speech rights of TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users. However, no concrete evidence has been publicly presented to suggest TikTok has shared user data with Chinese authorities or manipulated its algorithm for political purposes.
ByteDance Faces Pressure
As the ban took effect, TikTok announced it would “temporarily” suspend its service in the U.S. but provided no timeline for its return. ByteDance is exploring options, but no buyers have emerged for the company’s U.S. operations.
On Saturday, artificial intelligence firm Perplexity AI proposed a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations. The proposal would exclude ByteDance’s proprietary algorithm, which has been a critical factor in TikTok’s success. Meanwhile, investor groups, including one led by “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, have shown interest in acquiring the app.
Mixed Reactions to the Ban
In China, critics accused the U.S. of censorship. Hu Xijin, a prominent Chinese commentator, described the ban as “the darkest moment in the development of the internet.” ByteDance continues to operate Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, under strict government regulations.
Stateside, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed TikTok’s demands for clarity on the ban as a “stunt.” Confusion persisted until the platform began blocking access, sparking frustration among users and tech providers.
Uncertain Future
Under the current law, app stores and hosting services face hefty fines for providing access to TikTok. President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at a potential 90-day extension to allow TikTok to operate while a solution is negotiated. However, it remains unclear whether ByteDance will consider selling or if alternative arrangements will be made to restore the app’s services in the U.S.
For now, millions of users are left in the dark as TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance.