What Happened with TikTok in the U.S.?
TikTok, the immensely popular short-form video app, has been banned in the United States due to a federal law that prohibits its use by millions of Americans. Users were startled to receive a message notifying them of the ban around 10:30 p.m. Eastern time. By Saturday evening, the app had vanished from both the Apple and Google Play app stores, leaving users in limbo.
The message from TikTok informed users that the ban was the result of a new law in the U.S., preventing them from accessing the app temporarily. However, the company hinted that this disappearance might not be permanent, as President-elect Donald Trump has expressed willingness to collaborate on finding a solution to reinstate TikTok once he assumes office. Users were encouraged to stay updated on any developments.
Context and Legal Background
This ban comes after bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate passed a law last April, requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, to either sell the app or face a ban over concerns of potential Chinese surveillance. President Joe Biden swiftly signed the bill into law, and the Supreme Court recently upheld it. Trump, on the other hand, has shifted his stance, seeking a 90-day extension before implementing the ban.
The Biden administration has indicated that decisions regarding the app’s future will be left to the incoming administration, emphasizing the need for a definitive statement to prevent TikTok’s disappearance. Despite TikTok’s plea for reassurance, the White House dismissed their concerns as a mere “stunt,” leaving the app’s fate uncertain.
What Lies Ahead for TikTok?
In the midst of this turmoil, Trump has expressed intentions to negotiate a resolution that may involve a sale of TikTok or other concessions from ByteDance. Several potential buyers, including billionaire Frank McCourt and Perplexity AI, have expressed interest in acquiring the app’s vast user base. However, ByteDance remains adamant about not selling, although they appear optimistic about their future under Trump’s administration.
Meanwhile, alternative Chinese-owned apps like RedNote and Lemon8 have seen an uptick in users as TikTok enthusiasts seek substitutes. Despite rumors of a potential sale to Elon Musk, TikTok has refuted such claims as “pure fiction.”
As the saga of TikTok’s future unfolds, one thing remains certain: the uncertainty surrounding the app’s fate has left its users and potential buyers on edge, eagerly awaiting a resolution.
Meet the Authors
Kyle Wiggers, a senior reporter at TechCrunch, has a keen interest in artificial intelligence. When he’s not delving into the world of tech, he enjoys dabbling in playing the piano, although with varying degrees of success. Kyle resides in Brooklyn with his partner, who happens to be a piano educator.
Anthony Ha, the weekend editor at TechCrunch, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in tech reporting and editing. He currently calls New York City home and is a seasoned professional in the tech journalism field.
