In a major development that could affect millions of users, TikTok is preparing to shut down its app for US users starting Sunday, as a federal ban on the platform is set to take effect—unless the Supreme Court steps in to block it.
The shutdown plan differs from the law’s provisions, which would only prevent new TikTok downloads from Apple or Google app stores, while allowing current users to continue using the app for a period of time.
As part of the plan, users attempting to open the app will see a pop-up directing them to a website with more information about the ban. TikTok also intends to give users the option to download their personal data.
TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, have not yet commented on the situation. ByteDance is privately held, with institutional investors such as BlackRock and General Atlantic owning 60%, and the remaining shares held by its founders and employees.
This move comes after President Joe Biden signed a law in April 2023 requiring ByteDance to sell its US assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The US Supreme Court has shown signs it will uphold the law, despite requests from President-elect Donald Trump and some lawmakers to delay it.
TikTok has warned that if the ban lasts for a month, approximately one-third of its 170 million US users could stop using the app.
With the situation still unfolding, all eyes are now on the US Supreme Court, which may ultimately decide TikTok’s fate in the country, and the potential impact it could have on both users and the platform’s future in the US.
