The Chinese-owned platform, beloved by 170 million Americans, now faces an uncertain future, though President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at a potential 90-day reprieve after his inauguration on Monday.
In a message displayed to users attempting to access the app, TikTok announced: 'A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned.'
The shutdown comes after years of escalating tensions over TikTok's ownership by China-based ByteDance, with U.S. lawmakers citing national security concerns.
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, passed last year, required TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese entity or face a ban. ByteDance, however, refused, arguing that divestment was 'simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.'
The app's disappearance follows a series of court battles. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law, rejecting TikTok's argument that a ban violated free speech rights.
President Joe Biden's administration left enforcement of the ban to the incoming Trump administration, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, '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.'
TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed hope for a resolution under Trump's leadership. '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,' he said in a video posted before the app went dark.
Despite Trump's earlier support for the ban, his newfound appreciation for TikTok's role in his 2024 presidential campaign has led him to suggest a temporary extension.
'The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate,' he told NBC. 'If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday.'
The sudden shutdown has left millions of American users and businesses scrambling. TikTok, a hub for small businesses, influencers, and cultural trends, warned that the app could face glitches and cybersecurity risks without regular maintenance.
Meanwhile, alternatives like China-based RedNote are already gaining traction among displaced users. 'This is my new home now,' one user wrote on RedNote, tagging the post with '#TikTokRefugee' and '#Sad.'
Rival platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are also expected to see an influx of users, while searches for VPNs surged as Americans sought ways to bypass the ban. Marketing firms reliant on TikTok have described the situation as a 'hair on fire' moment, rushing to adjust their strategies.
The ban has further strained U.S.-China relations, with Beijing accusing Washington of unfairly targeting TikTok. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington stated, 'China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.'
Back in the U.S., speculation swirls about TikTok's future. Potential suitors, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok's U.S. operations. Media reports also suggest that billionaire Elon Musk has been involved in talks about a possible sale, though ByteDance has denied the claims.
As TikTok's fate hangs in the balance, its CEO plans to attend Trump's inauguration, reportedly to seek a political resolution. Whether TikTok will return to U.S. devices remains unclear, but for now, an era of short-video dominance in the U.S. has come to an abrupt halt.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
