TikTok Goes Dark in the U.S. Amid National Security Concerns; Trump Signals Possible 90-Day Reprieve After Inauguration to Explore Resolution
TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, disconnected access to its U.S. users late Saturday, hours before a nationwide ban went into effect. The ban, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, cites national security concerns over the app’s Chinese ownership.
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,”
read a message displayed to users attempting to access the app. The message expressed hope for a resolution, noting that President-elect Donald Trump is open to reinstating the app once in office.
The Supreme Court’s decision mandates the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to non-Chinese buyers or face a complete shutdown. Despite ongoing negotiations, ByteDance has refused to comply with the terms.
Trump Eyes TikTok Reprieve
President-elect Trump, an avid supporter of the app, acknowledged its role in engaging younger voters during his successful 2024 campaign. Speaking with NBC News, Trump hinted at activating a 90-day extension to allow more time for a potential resolution.
“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate,”
Trump stated. He is expected to make a formal announcement after his inauguration on Monday.
The outgoing Biden administration has opted to defer the matter, with White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre labeling the app’s appeal as a “stunt.”
Legal and Corporate Fallout
Under the ban, Apple and Google must remove the app from their app stores, with penalties of up to $5,000 per user who bypasses restrictions. Oracle, which hosts the app’s servers, would also be obligated to enforce the shutdown. None of the companies have commented on the situation.
Meanwhile, TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed gratitude to Trump, stating,
“He truly understands our platform,”
and confirmed plans to attend the inauguration.
Merger Talks and Potential Deals
As ByteDance faces mounting pressure, a last-minute proposal from U.S.-based Perplexity AI emerged. Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the AI startup offered to merge with TikTok’s U.S. subsidiary in a deal estimated at $50 billion.
Other offers have also surfaced. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, in collaboration with Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary, proposed a $20 billion acquisition. However, the legal complexities surrounding the ban remain unresolved.
“If an executive order conflicts with an existing law, the law takes precedence,”
noted Cornell University law professor Sarah Kreps, emphasizing the challenges Trump might face in overriding the ban.
TikTok Rivals Poised to Benefit
The shutdown has created opportunities for competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, which stand to attract displaced TikTok users. Many have also turned to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese app similar to Instagram, nicknamed “Red Note” by U.S. users. It has surged in popularity, becoming the most downloaded app on the U.S. Apple Store this week.
As the situation unfolds, millions of TikTok users remain patient, awaiting clarity on the app’s future in the U.S.
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