TikTok Faces Ban Deadline: What You Need to Know
Time might be running out for TikTok in the U.S. A new law set to kick in this Sunday could force the app to either find a new owner outside of China or stop operating entirely. For the 170 million Americans who use TikTok to entertain, inform, connect, or even run businesses, the stakes are high.
Here’s where things stand:
TikTok has openly stated that without clear intervention from the Biden administration, the app will shut down this Sunday. The Supreme Court recently upheld the law, pushing the platform closer to a potential ban. Yet, with just hours left, uncertainty hangs heavy over what’s really going to happen.
What Happens If TikTok Goes Dark?
If the ban goes through, app stores like Apple and Google will likely pull TikTok, meaning new users won’t be able to download it. Existing users might still have access for a while, but without updates or maintenance, the app could quickly become buggy and unusable.
TikTok itself has warned of the shutdown, saying it needs explicit assurances to keep the app alive. On Friday, the company said, “Without clarity from the Biden administration, we’ll have no choice but to go dark.”
Why Is TikTok Facing a Ban?
The concern boils down to national security. U.S. officials worry that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be forced by Chinese authorities to share data on American users or even manipulate the app to spread misinformation. While there’s no solid proof of this happening, the risk alone has fueled bipartisan support for the ban.
In response to these concerns, TikTok has already moved U.S. user data to servers run by Oracle, a tech company based in America. Still, that hasn’t been enough to ease lawmakers’ fears.
Could Someone Save TikTok?
Interestingly, Donald Trump, who’s set to return to office the day after the ban takes effect, has voiced his interest in saving TikTok. His team has hinted at delaying the ban to give TikTok more time to find a buyer, but the clock is ticking.
On the other hand, TikTok could avoid the ban altogether if a new owner steps in. A group led by billionaire Frank McCourt has already made a bid for TikTok’s U.S. operations. There’s even chatter that Elon Musk could become a potential buyer, though nothing is confirmed.
However, selling TikTok isn’t straightforward. China is unlikely to approve the sale of its prized algorithm, which powers TikTok’s beloved “For You” feed. Without it, a new version of TikTok would need to be built from scratch—a massive challenge.
What’s Next for TikTok Users?
For now, TikTok users should prepare for the possibility that the app might disappear from U.S. platforms. While workarounds like VPNs might offer temporary solutions, the future of TikTok remains uncertain.
TikTok’s U.S. operations alone are valued at up to $50 billion, but without its algorithm, experts say the price tag could drop significantly. With so much still up in the air, it’s unclear whether a sale will happen in time or if users will need to say goodbye to the app.
As Sunday approaches, millions are left wondering: Will TikTok survive, or is this truly the end of an era? Stay tuned.
