TikTok users in the US are encountering a message when they open the app informing them that they are currently unable to use the social media platform because of a law passed in Washington.
A ban on the app was set to go into effect today after outgoing President Joe Biden signed a law last year that required ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell TikTok for national security reasons or face a ban in one of its largest markets.
The app is no longer available in either Apple or Google’s app stores.
The message displayed in the app for US users states, “A law prohibiting the use of TikTok has been passed in the US. Unfortunately, this means you cannot use TikTok for now.”
“We are fortunate that President [Donald] Trump has indicated that he will collaborate with us on finding a solution to restore TikTok once he assumes office. Please stay tuned!”
US president-elect Donald Trump has said TikTok would likely get a reprieve. Pic: Reuters
This development comes after Mr. Trump, who is set to be inaugurated as the 47th president in Washington DC tomorrow, mentioned that TikTok would probably receive a 90-day reprieve from the ban.
Although President Biden stated that he did not plan to enforce the law, ByteDance announced that the app would be forced to shut down today following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the ban unanimously.
In an interview with NBC News’ Meet The Press moderator Kristen Welker, the president-elect expressed that he is contemplating allowing more time for TikTok to find a buyer.
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Mr. Trump shared in a phone interview with Sky’s US partner network: “I believe that would likely be an option that we consider.
“The 90-day extension is probably something that will be implemented, as it is appropriate. We need to assess it carefully. It’s a significant situation.
“If I choose to proceed with that, I will most likely announce it on Monday.”
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Why is TikTok getting banned in the US?
Upset TikTok users have turned to other social media platforms, like X, to express their frustration at the app no longer functioning, pointing out that for business purposes, other apps don’t measure up.
“Twitter cannot replace TikTok,” one user remarked. “Here I may get a hundred views (which is nothing for a business), but on TikTok, we reach millions of views and can earn substantial income. It’s not even comparable.”
Another user echoed the sentiment by highlighting how “TikTok has launched careers, made artists go viral”.
In their X post, they stated: “The fact that TikTok is facing a ban is incredibly surprising.
“So many businesses have thrived because of the app, and now they have to adjust on other social media platforms that may not perform as well.”
There have been indications that TikTok could be given a second chance under Mr. Trump, who has previously expressed his desire to address the issue through a “political solution” and last month urged the Supreme Court to pause the ban’s implementation.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is reportedly planning to participate in the US presidential inauguration and join a rally with Mr. Trump today, as per a source informed Reuters.