TikTok eyes Full US shutdown as ban deadline approaches, reports reveal
TikTok plans to shut down in the US if an anticipated ban takes effect on Sunday, according to media reports. The platform, known for its viral short videos, is preparing to completely cease operations. Reports from The Information and Reuters say TikTok will no longer be available, with updates barred from app stores and hosting services.
Though users can continue using the app temporarily, it will become unusable over time. They will be redirected to a statement about the ban and offered options to download their data. TikTok has not commented on the reports.
In April, US President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act into law. This act gave TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, 270 days to sell the platform or face a shutdown. The law was passed amid growing concerns that TikTok might collect Americans’ personal data or manipulate public discourse.
The deadline is approaching, with Biden’s administration taking action over national security risks. However, there may be a last-minute delay. President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering issuing an executive order to delay the ban by 60 to 90 days. He campaigned on “saving” TikTok, despite having tried to ban it during his first term.
Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court is evaluating the constitutionality of the ban. Recently, a majority of justices appeared skeptical of TikTok’s claim that the ban infringes on Americans’ free speech rights.
If no intervention occurs, TikTok’s shutdown will mark a significant turning point in the ongoing debate over national security, foreign influence, and privacy concerns in the digital age.
