TikTok, the popular social media platform, went offline in the United States just hours before a new law banning the app was set to take effect. The legislation, passed in April last year, requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform by Sunday or face a ban. The Supreme Court upheld this law on Friday, setting the stage for TikTok's abrupt disappearance from US app stores.
Users across the country reported that TikTok had been removed from Apple and Google's app stores. Additionally, the website TikTok.com ceased displaying videos. A message on the app informed US users that a law banning TikTok had been enacted, adding that "you can't use TikTok for now."
TikTok contends that this law infringes upon free speech rights of its 170 million US users. The company is actively working to restore service, assuring users it is "working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible."
"force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We're working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible." – TikTok
President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he would likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve once he assumes office on Monday. In response, TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, expressed gratitude to Trump for his "commitment to work with us to find a solution."
"We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office" – TikTok
The White House commented that any action is at the discretion of the incoming administration. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned that the 90-day extension is probable.
"The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate" – Donald Trump
Creators and users voiced concerns over the potential loss. Nicole Bloomgarden, a creator, told the BBC that her income would suffer significantly without TikTok. Erika Thompson noted that educational content would be the "biggest loss" for the community.
On Saturday, users received a message indicating the law would "force us to make our services temporarily unavailable."
"We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday." – Karine Jean-Pierre