TikTok is no longer available in the US

The switch has flipped on the US TikTok ban. The TikTok app has stopped working and was removed from the App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening, just hours before an expected January 19 ban goes into effect.

Instead, people who have previously installed the app are greeted with a pop-up. “Sorry, TikTok is currently unavailable,” the message read. “A law has been enacted banning TikTok in the United States, and unfortunately, this means you cannot use TikTok at this time. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to bring TikTok back once he is in office. Please stay tuned.”

The notification gives you the option to close the app or “Learn More,” which directs you to a page on TikTok’s website Similar language. Existing users can also download their data from the site.

After passing Under President Biden’s “Protecting Americans from Foreign Controlled Apps Act” by President Biden, TikTok had six months to divest itself from Chinese parent company ByteDance. The company chose to fight the law, Submit the case to the Supreme Court That First Amendment rights were violated by this action. supreme court Not affected.

like Part of the banThe Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and any other app market must remove TikTok or risk a $5,000 fine for every US user who downloads the app. White House officials said earlier this week that the ban It will not be implemented During President Joe Biden’s final hours in office, but TikTok He said That the government “failed to provide necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers who are integral to maintaining TikTok availability for more than 170 million Americans.”

Multiple attempts TikTok ban has been implemented in the United States Because of spying fearsBut this is the first time someone has commented, at least temporarily. The president-elect was Donald Trump A major proponent of the ban During his first term in office, ironically, this is TikTok’s only hope of survival after his second inauguration. Earlier Saturday, Trump told NBC News that he would “probably” give the company a 90-day extension after he takes office.

If an extension occurs, it is not clear what kind of arrangement the company might work out to remain in the United States after all. Perplexity AI has reportedly made an offer To merge with tik tok usa, CNBC I mentioned. Others, including investor Kevin O’Leary (from… Shark tank fame) She has too Submit proposals or express interest in purchasing the service.

Additional reporting by Carissa Bell.