TikTok Goes Dark in the US as Nationwide Ban Takes Effect
In a dramatic turn of events, TikTok has ceased operations across the United States following the enactment of a law banning the app. Late Saturday, US-based users attempting to access the popular platform were greeted with a message explaining the ban, which read: “You can’t use TikTok for now.”
The ban stems from long-standing concerns over TikTok’s ties to its China-based parent company, ByteDance, and alleged national security risks. The company was given until January 19 to sell its US operations to an approved buyer in order to avoid this outcome. However, with no sale completed, the restrictions came into force as scheduled.
Outgoing President Joe Biden had deferred the TikTok issue to his successor, Donald Trump, who is set to assume office on Monday. In a statement to NBC News, Trump suggested that he might grant TikTok a temporary 90-day reprieve once in office, describing the move as “most likely appropriate.”
“If I decide to give the extension, I’ll announce it Monday,” Trump added, leaving a glimmer of hope for TikTok’s millions of American users.
As part of the ban, TikTok was removed from Apple and Google’s US app stores, while its website, TikTok.com, stopped displaying videos. In a message displayed on the app, the company expressed gratitude for Trump’s willingness to work on a resolution and hinted at efforts to restore services in the US.
Historic Ban on Social Media
This marks the first time the United States has imposed a nationwide ban on a major social media platform. On Friday, the US Supreme Court upheld the controversial law, originally passed in April 2024, which mandated ByteDance to divest its ownership of TikTok by January 19. The company has argued that the ban infringes on the free speech rights of its 170 million US users.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, appealed to Trump over the weekend, thanking him for his willingness to explore a solution. Chew is expected to attend the inauguration on Monday, signaling ongoing efforts to negotiate a path forward.
Creators Say Goodbye to TikTok
Ahead of the app’s shutdown, TikTok creators flooded the platform with farewell videos, bidding emotional goodbyes to their followers. Content creator Nicole Bloomgarden shared concerns about the financial impact, stating that losing TikTok would significantly reduce her income. Another user, Erika Thompson, lamented the potential loss of educational content, which she believes is a valuable part of the platform’s community.
TikTok posted a statement earlier on Saturday acknowledging the ban and reassuring users: “We’re working hard to restore our services in the US as quickly as possible.”
Could the UK Follow Suit?
As the US grapples with TikTok’s ban, the UK has reassured its citizens that no similar measures are currently being considered. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told the BBC on Sunday that the government sees no immediate security threat requiring such action.
“For everyday users sharing videos of dancing cats, it doesn’t seem like a security issue to me,” Jones quipped during an interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. However, he acknowledged that the situation could change if new concerns arise.
In 2023, the UK banned TikTok on government devices and within Parliament, citing security risks. Despite these restrictions, Jones emphasized that broader consumer use remains unaffected for now.
As the dust settles on TikTok’s US ban, creators and fans alike await clarity on whether the platform will make a comeback—or if this marks the end of an era for one of the world’s most popular apps.
