TikTok one of the most popular video-sharing apps with over 170 million users in the US has gone offline as a law banning the platform officially took effect. Many users trying to access the app were greeted with a message saying, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” as screenshots circulated across social media. Additionally, TikTok was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store making it inaccessible for new downloads.
The ban stems from concerns over national security as TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is based in China. The law passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden last year required ByteDance to sell its US operations to an approved buyer within nine months. Despite the deadline no deal was finalized and the Supreme Court upheld the law clearing the way for the ban.
However there might still be hope for TikTok users. Former President Donald Trump, who is set to take office again indicated he would consider granting a 90-day extension for ByteDance to finalize a sale potentially allowing the app to return shortly.
For now millions of US users are left in limbo unsure if or when the app might make a comeback. The sudden removal of TikTok has sparked widespread discussion leaving many wondering how this decision will impact users creators and the digital landscape in the United States.
