TikTok, the viral social media platform where billions created and shared short videos, has officially gone dark for US users on Saturday evening.
The popular social media app has since issued a statement to its users regarding the abrupt shutdown that was initially to go into effect on Sunday.
The US has passed a law that prohibits the use of the popular video sharing app, meaning TikTok is currently unavailable for use, as indicated by a message that now appears when users try to log in.
However, there is hope as President Trump has expressed willingness to collaborate on finding a solution to restore TikTok once he assumes office. Users are encouraged to stay updated for further developments.
Last year, Congress passed a law banning TikTok unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance sold its stakes by Monday.
The Chinese conglomerate, who had nine months to sell the platform’s U.S. operation to an approved buyer, had long said it would not sell.
Despite concerns raised by American officials regarding TikTok’s potential threat to national security, the app, along with some of its users and content creators, has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit in an attempt to prevent the ban.
Leading up to the app going dark this weekend, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban did ‘not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights,’ upholding a previous appeals court ruling.
TikTok , the viral social media platform where billions created and shared short videos , has officially gone dark for US users on Saturday evening
The popular social media app has issued a statement to its users regarding the awaited shutdown
Despite the court’s ruling, Trump – who had asked the Supreme Court to delay enforcing the ban – has expressed interest in potentially reversing the court’s decision after his second term starts.
‘The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it,’ the incoming president wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. ‘My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!’
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew – who will be in attendance at Trump’s second inaugural – previously said the app was ‘grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform’
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew – who will be in attendance at Trump’s second inaugural – previously said the app was ‘grateful and pleased to have the support of a president who truly understands our platform.’
‘On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thanks President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,’ Chew added.
‘This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.’
While users cannot post videos under the ban, they still have access to their data and can download it.
After the ban was upheld by the highest court in the land, President Biden had previously signaled he would not enforce it, leaving the fate of the controversial app up to Trump after he takes the oath of office for the second time.
Trump also intimated that he might grant a 60- to 90-day extension to allow TikTok’s U.S. operations to continue.
Despite the court’s ruling, Trump – who had asked the Supreme Court to delay enforcing the ban – has expressed interest in potentially reversing the court’s decision after his second term starts
After the ban was upheld by the highest court in the land, President Biden had previously signaled he would not enforce it, leaving the fate of the controversial app up to Trump after he takes the oath of office for the second time
President-elect Trump posted after the Supreme Court decision on the TikTok ban
While TikTok users cannot post videos under the ban, they still have access to their data and can download it
While it was running, roughly 170 million Americans used the popular video app, which added credence to proponents of TikTok who said its use was tied to the livelihoods of millions.
However, the ban has had bipartisan appeal across both sides of the aisle.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas praised the Supreme Court for rejecting ‘TikTok’s lies and propaganda masquerading as legal arguments.’
‘ByteDance and its Chinese Communist masters had nine months to sell TikTok before the Sunday deadline. The very fact that Communist China refuses to permit its sale reveals exactly what TikTok is: a communist spy app,’ Cotton wrote on X.
After the app stopped working for users, millions took to X to voice their unhappiness.
‘The land of the free really just banned Tiktok,’ one tweeter wrote.
Another added, ‘Nothing is more American than banning TikTok before AR-15s.’
‘This sucks for those that use TikTok. The government really needs to get their priorities straight,’ a third wrote.
