TikTok Goes Dark in the U.S.

TikTok ceased operations in the United States late Saturday, January 18, and was removed from Apple and Google app stores just hours before a scheduled ban took effect.

Users trying to access the app were met with a message stating: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”

The ban impacts the platform’s 170 million U.S. users and stems from a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Friday, January 17, which upheld bipartisan legislation passed in Congress. The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, was justified on the grounds of national security and data privacy risks linked to TikTok’s Chinese ownership.

Despite the suspension, TikTok expressed hope for a resolution. A message on the app stated: “We are fortunate that President-elect Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”  

Speaking with NBC News on Saturday, Trump hinted at a possible 90-day delay of the ban after his inauguration on Monday. “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate,” Trump said, noting that a final decision would be announced soon.

The ban underscores efforts by the U.S. government to curb perceived Chinese influence through the app. As the transition of power approaches, the fate of TikTok remains in limbo, awaiting a definitive move by the incoming administration.