TikTok Faces Shutdown: What the Dark Times Mean for Users in the US
On Saturday night, TikTok experienced a significant outage in the U.S. due to a federal law banning the widely-used short-form video application. Millions of users were unable to access the app until service was restored by midday Sunday, raising concerns about the future of TikTok in America.
TikTok Outage: What Happened?
Starting around 10:30 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, TikTok users received a notification stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” The message explained that a law prohibiting TikTok was enacted in the U.S., resulting in temporary inaccessibility. Additionally, the app disappeared from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Accessing TikTok During the Ban
Despite the ban, some users managed to access TikTok through its web platform. The company indicated that this might be a short-lived issue, noting that President-elect Donald Trump could work towards a resolution to reinstate the app.
Background on the Ban
The ban stems from a bipartisan law passed in April, which required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to either divest the app or face a ban in the U.S. This legislation was enacted due to growing concerns about potential Chinese surveillance and propaganda. President Biden signed the bill promptly, raising questions about TikTok’s future in the country.
Political Reactions and Implications
- Trump’s administration proposed delaying the ban and hinted at negotiating a resolution.
- The Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday, leaving the app’s fate to the incoming administration.
- White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed TikTok’s concerns as unnecessary.
Future Prospects for TikTok
Trump has indicated that he may grant a 90-day extension to TikTok once he takes office. He noted this could be an appropriate step, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the situation.
Potential Buyers and Alternatives
With 170 million users, TikTok has attracted interest from various potential buyers, including:
- Billionaire Frank McCourt, who made a “people’s bid.”
- Perplexity AI, which suggested a merger.
Meanwhile, alternative Chinese-owned apps such as RedNote and Lemon8 have seen a surge in users seeking options while TikTok remains under scrutiny. However, Lemon8, also owned by ByteDance, has faced its own restrictions.
For ongoing updates about TikTok and its status in the U.S., stay tuned to trusted news sources and official announcements.
Note: This article has been updated to reflect TikTok’s restoration of service and the latest developments regarding the ban.
