A U.S. ban on TikTok officially began on Sunday, concluding a heated standoff between the federal government and one of the nation’s most popular social media platforms. The decision follows months of legal and political wrangling over data security and national security risks.
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The Ban Takes Effect
In spring 2024, Congress passed a law requiring TikTok to sever ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, within 270 days or face a ban. Despite the ultimatum, TikTok opted for a legal challenge on First Amendment grounds, which ultimately failed at the Supreme Court on Friday.
The Court’s unanimous ruling highlighted concerns over potential data collection or content manipulation by the Chinese government.
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Impact on TikTok Users
The ban doesn’t directly target TikTok but instead focuses on third-party companies, such as cloud-service providers and app stores, effectively cutting off its support infrastructure.
As of Saturday evening, some users began receiving in-app messages stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” By Sunday morning, app stores operated by Apple, Google, and Samsung started removing the app from their platforms.
What Happens Next?
App Quality May Decline
Experts warn that TikTok’s functionality could degrade as the ban restricts access to app updates and hosting services:
- New downloads will be blocked, preventing new users from accessing the app.
- Existing users will be unable to install updates, potentially leading to loading issues, glitches, and degraded performance.
An update from Apple confirmed that ByteDance apps already installed will remain on devices but cannot be redownloaded or restored.
Potential Workarounds for TikTok
TikTok could partner with non-U.S. hosting companies to maintain its services. However, relocating its digital infrastructure outside the U.S. may result in:
- Slower service speeds.
- Increased performance issues.
- Heightened risks of enforcement action from U.S. authorities.
Trump’s Promise to Reverse the Ban
President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday, has pledged to reverse the TikTok ban. Options under consideration include:
- Executive action to delay or nullify the ban’s enforcement.
- Discretionary enforcement by the Justice Department, potentially reassuring app stores and hosting providers.
However, legal limitations prevent an executive order from overriding a law passed by Congress. Additionally, statutes of limitations could expose companies to penalties for up to five years, deterring full compliance with Trump’s directives.
Congressional Repeal as a Possibility
TikTok’s fate may also depend on Congress repealing the ban. While the original measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, political dynamics have since shifted:
- Republicans now control both chambers of Congress.
- President-elect Trump has voiced opposition to the ban.
Whether such a repeal gains traction remains uncertain.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew expressed gratitude toward Trump in a TikTok video posted after the Supreme Court ruling:
“I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States. This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.”
Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, further signaling a potential resolution under the new administration.
