TikTok has gone offline in the United States, just hours before a new law set to ban the platform was scheduled to take effect. Users attempting to access the app were greeted with a message explaining that the ban had been enacted, leading to a temporary shutdown of the service. The message assured users that discussions were underway for a potential solution to reinstate TikTok, thanks to President Trump’s indication that he would work to resolve the issue after taking office.
The shutdown comes after TikTok issued a warning over the weekend that it would “go dark” unless the outgoing Biden administration clarified whether the ban would be enforced. TikTok’s leadership had expressed concerns that the move would severely disrupt the platform’s 170 million American users, along with the livelihoods of content creators who rely on it for income.
While the outgoing Biden administration did not provide immediate reassurance, President-elect Trump hinted at a possible 90-day reprieve from the ban once he assumes office. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said it was likely he would announce this delay on Monday, noting that it would be an appropriate step to address the situation.
Alongside the app’s shutdown, users reported that TikTok was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and the TikTok website was no longer displaying videos. The law, upheld by the Supreme Court earlier in the week, mandates the ban unless ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, divests from the platform, which has not happened.
In response to the ruling, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew publicly appealed to Trump, expressing gratitude for the president’s commitment to finding a solution. He also confirmed that he would be attending Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
For many content creators, the shutdown of TikTok is a significant blow. Creators like Nicole Bloomgarden, who shared that losing the platform would result in a substantial income decrease, voiced their concerns over the potential long-term impact. Educational creators, such as Erika Thompson, highlighted that the loss of TikTok would be a serious setback for educational content, which has flourished on the platform.
As the clock ticks down to Trump’s inauguration, the fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. The platform has reassured users that it is working to restore its service as soon as possible, but the situation is far from resolved. With discussions between TikTok and the incoming administration expected to intensify, it’s clear that the battle over the platform’s future in the US is just beginning.
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