Millions of TikTok users in the United States are no longer able to watch videos on the social media platform as a federal ban on the popular app takes effect.
Recently passed US law prohibiting the use of the platform entered into force On Sunday, the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The ban came after months of legal battles and mounting scrutiny over TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
“A law has been enacted banning TikTok in the United States,” a message said to users trying to use the app used by 170 million Americans. “Unfortunately, this means you can’t use TikTok at the moment.”
In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said he was considering giving TikTok a 90-day extension that would allow them to continue operating. If such an extension occurs, Trump — who once favored banning TikTok — said it would “probably” be announced on Monday, the day he is sworn in as president.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration with a prime seating location.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to bring TikTok back once he takes office,” the app said in its message to American users. “Please stay tuned!”
On Friday, the US Supreme Court Legally upheld The app will be banned unless parent company ByteDance divests TikTok’s US operations. The ruling represents a major escalation in efforts to restrict the app, which officials claim poses a threat to national security.
In court, the Biden administration defended the law by citing concerns that TikTok collects large amounts of American user data, which the Chinese government could potentially access through coercion.
Officials also warned that the app’s algorithm, which determines what content users see, could be manipulated by Chinese authorities to influence the platform in subtle and difficult-to-detect ways.
However, the United States has not yet provided public evidence proving that TikTok shared user data with Chinese authorities or changed its algorithm to serve Chinese interests.
ByteDance has denied any wrongdoing and has resisted calls to sell its US operations, leaving the platform in limbo.
US law requires Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing new downloads. Companies may face penalties of up to $5,000 for each user who accesses the app.
Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s servers, would also be legally obligated to enforce the ban.
Meanwhile, US-based competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts will benefit from TikTok’s enforced absence.
Another Chinese platform, Xiaohongshu, which means little red book, has gained traction among American users, becoming the most downloaded app on the Apple Store in the United States this week.
Many investors have proposed last-minute solutions to keep TikTok running.
According to media reports, Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has submitted a plan to merge with TikTok’s US business to create a new entity, which could allow ByteDance to retain partial ownership.
Other offers, including a $20 billion bid from a consortium led by Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary and billionaire Frank McCourt, are still under consideration.
Experts warn that even if Trump issues an executive order to postpone the ban, he could face legal challenges.
“Congress wrote this law to be practically president-proof,” warned Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Progress Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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