Lagatar24 Desk
Washington, D.C.: TikTok, the widely used video-sharing platform with over 170 million American users, officially suspended its services in the United States as the federal ban came into effect on Sunday. The shutdown comes amidst legislative pressure for its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations.
Users Notified of Ban
Upon attempting to access the app, users were greeted with a message:
“Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The message further expressed optimism about collaborating with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, stating:
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”
Possible Relief Under the New Administration
President-elect Trump has suggested a 90-day extension for TikTok to negotiate a deal, potentially delaying the ban. Speaking to NBC News, Trump indicated he is open to granting temporary relief once he assumes office on January 20. Additionally, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has reportedly been invited to attend Trump’s inauguration ceremony, signaling possible future discussions.
Background of the Ban
The ban stems from a law enacted by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in 2024, which required ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US operations within nine months. The legislation also prohibited hosting services and app stores from supporting TikTok beyond the deadline.
While ByteDance received multiple offers to comply with US requirements, negotiations remain unresolved. The sitting president retains the authority to extend the deadline if a divestment process is underway.
Proposed Deals
TikTok has attracted several potential suitors:
1.Perplexity AI Proposal:
The startup, reportedly backed by Jeff Bezos, suggested merging its assets with TikTok’s US operations to form a joint venture valued at over $50 billion. This deal could bypass the need for ByteDance to completely divest TikTok.
2.Frank McCourt’s Bid:
The former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers expressed readiness to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Collaborating with Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary, McCourt submitted a $20 billion offer, highlighting his commitment to align with US regulations.
Implications of the Ban
The suspension of TikTok in the US marks a significant chapter in the ongoing debate over data privacy and national security concerns. The platform’s future now hinges on negotiations with the incoming administration and potential divestment deals.
