The popular social media platform TikTok has been officially banned in the United States, leaving users unable to access the app within the country's borders. When attempting to use TikTok, users are now 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."
TikTok's last-ditch effort to appeal the ban to the U.S. Supreme Court was unanimously rejected. Despite acknowledging the app's significant role for over 170 million Americans as a platform for expression, engagement, and community, the Supreme Court sided with Congress's decision to ban TikTok due to national security concerns related to the app's data collection practices and its ties to a foreign adversary. The court stated, "There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. 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."
In light of the ban, TikTok is hopeful that incoming President Donald Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20, will work towards bringing the app back online. In an interview with NBC News on January 18, Trump mentioned he would "most likely" delay the ban for 90 days. This delay would provide an opportunity for a buyer from the United States or one of its allies to purchase the app, a scenario that has not yet materialized and ultimately led to the current ban. Alongside TikTok, other apps associated with its parent company ByteDance, such as CapCut, Lemon8, and even Marvel Snap, have also gone offline.
