TikTok goes offline in the US as ban takes effect

NEW YORK,—Millions of TikTok users in the United States were cut off from the app on Saturday evening as a federal ban on the popular platform went into effect.

The app was removed from major app stores, including those operated by Apple and Google, while TikTok’s website confirmed the service was no longer available.

When users opened the TikTok app, a pop-up message appeared stating: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” The notification added, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.” The message thanked users for their support and urged them to stay tuned for updates.

The ban stems from federal legislation requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app or face a nationwide ban.

The law, passed in April as part of a $95 billion aid package, was signed by President Joe Biden. ByteDance had sued, arguing the ban violated the First Amendment, but the Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Friday that national security concerns outweighed free speech issues.

Apple confirmed TikTok’s removal from its app store and warned users of potential disruptions. “If you already have TikTok installed, it will remain on your device, but it cannot be re-downloaded or restored on new devices.

In-app purchases and subscriptions are also disabled,” the company said in a statement. The law also prohibits hosting services from supporting TikTok in the U.S., with penalties of up to $5,000 per user for violations.

President-elect Donald Trump indicated he may grant TikTok a 90-day extension to address compliance issues. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said an announcement “could come Monday,” the day he is inaugurated.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend the inauguration and has thanked Trump in a video for his support of the platform, calling him an advocate for free speech.

Concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership have fueled bipartisan calls for the ban. U.S. officials allege the app could share user data with the Chinese government or allow Beijing to manipulate content.

While no evidence has been presented publicly, lawmakers and the Biden administration have cited these risks as justification for the action.

Reaction from China was swift. Hu Xijin, a former editor of the Global Times, criticized the ban as “brutal suppression” of a free platform. ByteDance continues to operate Douyin, a version of TikTok designed for China, which complies with local censorship regulations.

TikTok has not disclosed plans to resume U.S. operations. Meanwhile, potential buyers have expressed interest in acquiring the app’s American business.

AI startup Perplexity AI has reportedly proposed creating a new entity with TikTok’s U.S. operations. Investor Kevin O’Leary and others have also explored purchasing the app, though ByteDance has resisted selling.

For now, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, leaving millions of users without access and awaiting further developments.

TikTok Returns to U.S. Following Trump’s Announcement

TikTok began restoring access in the United States on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump revealed plans to reinstate the app when he takes office on Monday.

“We don’t have a choice. We have to save it,” Trump declared at a rally on Sunday, just ahead of his inauguration. He added that the U.S. plans to create a joint venture to maintain the app, which is popular among 170 million American users.

Hours before the rally, TikTok issued a statement to its users, saying, “Thanks to President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.”

The app’s return comes at a critical time for U.S.-China relations. Trump has promised to impose tariffs on China while signaling a willingness to open direct talks with Chinese officials.

(With files from AP | Reuters)