TikTok has officially been banned in the U.S., meaning that users within its borders can no longer access the popular social media app. When attempting to use TikTok, users are met with a message stating, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now." The message elaborates, "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! In the meantime, you can still download your data."
Despite a final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the ban was upheld last week in a unanimous decision. The Court recognized the unique value TikTok provides to its 170 million American users as a platform for expression, engagement, and community. However, it upheld the ban, stating, "But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights."
TikTok is hopeful that the incoming President, Donald Trump, will reverse the ban after his inauguration on January 20. In an interview with NBC News on January 18, Trump mentioned he would "most likely" delay the ban for 90 days. This delay could provide an opportunity for a buyer from the United States or one of its allies to purchase the app, which has yet to happen and is the root cause of the current ban. Additionally, other apps linked to TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, such as CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap, have also ceased operations in the U.S.
