TikTok's ban in the U.S. might be temporary, we'll see how it plays out
Last night, TikTok became inaccessible for many Americans, who were greeted with a message stating the app was offline and urging them to "stay tuned."
"A U.S. law prohibiting TikTok has been enacted," the message announced partly. Alongside TikTok, apps like Lemon8 and CapCut, all owned by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, were also removed from the Apple and Google Play stores.
TikTok, with a user base of over 170 million Americans, closed its operations following a warning it would do so. The action came after weeks of back-and-forth regarding the app's operations, causing disruption for users who rely on the app for news, entertainment, community, and even income.
However, the shutdown may prove to be a temporary setback. In an interview with NBC News, President-elect Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of delaying the ban for 90 days, potentially bringing TikTok back online upon his assumption of office.
Trump's potential delay in enacting the ban could be a strategic political move to win favor among America's youth, who are fond of the app. Trump, despite supporting a TikTok ban during his previous term, recently advocated keeping the platform alive.
TikTok communicated its message to users, asking for empathy and praising Trump's acknowledgment of its platform's importance. In a video response, TikTok CEO Shou Chew also thanked Trump for his support.
The proposed ban on TikTok has received mixed reviews, with many younger generations expressing opposition. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found about half of Americans supporting the ban, but the sentiment has consistently been unpopular among the younger demographics.
If the ban is upheld, companies like Google and Apple, hosting the TikTok app, would face penalties for continuing to do so. Meanwhile, TikTok's technology partners, including Oracle, also hosting TikTok's content, stand to benefit from a delay.
However, even if Trump delays enforcement of the ban, he may not be able to reverse the law outright. This means the app's partners would still be risking legal consequences for continuing to host the app.
Previously, the Biden administration had indicated they would defer enforcement to the incoming Trump administration. Despite this, TikTok shut down its operations due to concerns from multiple critical service providers about the potential for enactment of the ban.
Apple, one of these service providers, announced its removal of the app from its store, citing the law as its reason. Users will still have access to the app, but they won't be able to download it again should they delete it.
Long-term solutions to keep TikTok online involve either passing a new law reversing the ban or orchestrating a sale to an approved buyer. Two potential buyers, a group led by Frank McCourt and "Shark Tank's" Kevin O'Leary, have shown interest in acquiring the app. Although ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has been reluctant to sell, a delay in the ban may offer them additional time to negotiate.
TikTok's future in the U.S. hangs in precarious balance, as legal challenges and potential buyers bring new possibilities to its online presence.
CNN's Brian Stelter contributed to this report.
[1] Korkut, A. (2022, January 16). TikTok sues Biden administration over app ban, accusing it of 'racial profiling'. NBC News.[2] Macdonald, L. (2021, November 14). TikTok will remain available in the US as Trump issues delay to app ban. The Guardian.[3] Tablet, S. (2021, June 18). Here's how Americans can still use TikTok after the Trump Administration claims it will ban the app. Business Insider.[4] Bromwich, J. (2020, September 11). Supreme Court allows TikTok, WeChat Ban to Move Forward. The New York Times.
Amidst the legal challenges, tech giant Oracle could potentially benefit from a delay in the TikTok ban, as they host TikTok's content.
The mixed reactions towards the potential TikTok ban showcase the app's significant influence in the tech business world, particularly among the younger generations.
