TikTok ban comes into pressure early as US asks ‘what does it imply’

TikTok went “darkish” for its viewers earlier than Sunday, to the shock of its followers. 

A staggering 170 million People have misplaced the app that has been a staple of their digital lives for years, with some even going through the specter of their companies collapsing post-ban.

Moreover, TikTok vanished from all app shops, together with these run by Apple and Google.

Nonetheless, regardless of the ban, there’s nonetheless some hope. TikTok might proceed working as typical if an accepted purchaser steps in. 

Congress members have voiced issues over ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese language mum or dad firm of TikTok, doubtlessly pilfering consumer knowledge attributable to its connections to China, which they argue poses a safety danger to the U.S.

The nineteenth ban date has been pushed again a number of instances as members of Congress edited the laws earlier than it was lastly handed in April 2024. 

The regulation then confronted a sequence of authorized battles, together with a lawsuit by ByteDance Ltd., which sued the federal authorities over the regulation.

The Supreme Court docket, siding with nationwide safety issues over free speech arguments, upheld the TikTok ban on Friday.

Most stories counsel that TikTok will turn into inaccessible or “darkish” for customers in America; they will not be capable of view or obtain content material from American app shops.

But, a possible loophole exists: by utilizing VPNs to undertake IP addresses from areas the place TikTok stays authorized, People would possibly proceed utilizing the platform.

Plainly the quandary of the ban’s execution – or maybe its overturning – might be handed on to Trump after inauguration day nears midday on Monday.

Former President Trump has indicated a need to overturn the ban, though his stance has been inconsistent, having beforehand tried to ban the app throughout his presidency.

His nationwide safety adviser hinted earlier that the brand new administration would possibly act to “maintain TikTok from going darkish,” however the specifics are but to be disclosed.

It is unsure if a purchaser will emerge within the coming days, weeks, or months. YouTuber MrBeast confirmed curiosity in shopping for TikTok, however his subsequent steps are unclear after he talked about having a proposal ready.