The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act has become law, requiring that TikTok either be sold to a non-Chinese owner or face a shutdown in the United States. The legislation, passed in April, gives TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, a 90-day window to comply. This development comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional, allowing its provisions to take effect. The decision has significant implications for TikTok's 170 million U.S. users, who may soon find the app unavailable.
TikTok's journey towards this predicament began in 2020 when Donald Trump first suggested a ban via executive order. Despite his past actions against TikTok, Trump recently intervened in the app's Supreme Court case, expressing a willingness to extend the deadline for compliance.
"The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate," said Donald Trump.
"If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday," he added.
The law has already led to TikTok ceasing operations in the U.S., as the app went dark late Saturday. Users found it missing from both Apple's iOS App Store and Google's Play Store. This marks a significant moment for TikTok, as its disappearance from U.S. digital platforms has been years in the making.
Montana set a precedent by becoming the first state in the U.S. to ban TikTok in 2023, highlighting escalating concerns over data privacy and national security associated with Chinese-owned applications. The federal government's stance underscores a broader strategy to ensure apps like TikTok operate under American ownership.
"The White House said in a statement that TikTok 'should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership.'"
The Supreme Court's decision affirms this position, leaving ByteDance with limited options: divest TikTok or face its complete removal from the U.S. market. Shou Chew, an attorney representing TikTok, informed the court that the app would "go dark" on January 19 if ByteDance does not find a buyer.
"On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, 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," stated Shou Chew.
In light of these developments, some U.S. users have begun migrating to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese video-sharing app, as they seek alternatives to their favorite platform.
"I’d drop-ship my DNA to the front door of the Chinese Communist party before I watch an Instagram Reel," remarked one dedicated TikTok user.
Despite ongoing negotiations and legal battles, TikTok's fate remains uncertain. The looming deadline puts pressure on ByteDance to secure a deal that aligns with U.S. regulatory requirements while maintaining its user base and market presence.