TikTok’s ban deadline in the US is now closer than ever. The ban, effective from Sunday, January 19th, could result in TikTok being completely shut down for U.S. users, escalating the platform’s struggles with US lawmakers.
The platform’s troubles in the U.S. date back to 2020, when then-President Trump threatened to ban TikTok unless its operations were sold to a U.S.-based company. Although the deadline for a sale was extended multiple times, the issue resurfaced in 2023 when TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, was taken to court.
Two outcomes emerged as possibilities: a ban or a forced sale of the app. In late 2023, President Biden signed legislation enforcing a federal ban, set to take effect this weekend.
According to a Reuters report, TikTok plans to shut down the app entirely for U.S. users if the federal ban is enacted. Users attempting to open the app would be greeted by a pop-up message redirecting them to a website explaining the situation. This move could serve as an effort by TikTok to shift blame for the shutdown onto U.S. lawmakers and build public pressure against the ban.
The ban will also require Apple and Google to block new downloads of TikTok from their app stores in the U.S. The app may remain functional for existing users under typical circumstances.
A recent Bloomberg report claimed that Chinese officials were considering selling TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk. However, the Chinese government and TikTok spokespeople have denied these claims, labeling them as “pure fiction.” Instead, ByteDance appears to be doubling down on its stance against forced divestiture, further complicating negotiations.
A U.S. senator has proposed legislation to extend the ban’s deadline by an additional 270 days, giving TikTok more time to strike a deal with a U.S.-based company. However, whether this bill passes remains uncertain. Without an extension, TikTok faces a complete shutdown in the U.S. starting this Sunday.