TikTok users in the United States found themselves unable to access the platform on Sunday after a law banning the popular video-sharing app came into effect.
A message displayed on the app informed users that the ban had been enacted, stating, “you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The prohibition follows months of debate over the app’s links to its China-based parent company, ByteDance, and concerns about potential ties to the Chinese government.
The law, passed in April last year, required ByteDance to sell TikTok to an approved US buyer by January 19 to continue operating. However, the sale did not occur, leading to the enforcement of the ban.
On Friday, the US Supreme Court upheld the legislation, rejecting TikTok’s argument that the ban violated free speech protections for its 170 million users in the country. In response, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, urged cooperation, thanking US leaders for their “commitment to work with us to find a solution.”
Outgoing President Joe Biden had previously deferred the matter to his successor, Donald Trump. Trump, set to take office on Monday, hinted that he might grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said, “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
The ban has sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing that it limits free expression and access to information. TikTok has maintained that it operates independently of the Chinese government and poses no security threat.
As the situation develops, it remains unclear whether a reprieve will be granted or if TikTok’s millions of US users will face a prolonged shutdown.