TikTok users across the United States lost access to the platform late Saturday, just hours before a nationwide ban came into effect.
A message on the app informed users, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The app expressed optimism about a resolution, noting, “President-elect Trump has expressed willingness to work on reinstating TikTok once he takes office. Stay tuned!”
The shutdown follows a protracted legal battle over TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
On Friday, the US Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok’s parent company to sell the platform to a non-Chinese entity by Sunday, citing national security concerns.
With no deal finalized, the app is now officially banned.The law also mandates Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing new downloads.
Both companies face potential fines of $5,000 per user who can still access the app. Additionally, Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s servers, is legally obligated to enforce the ban.
President-elect Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated on Monday, hinted at a possible reprieve.
Speaking to NBC News, he said, “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate.”
Trump indicated he might activate a temporary pause on the ban during negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This development marks a critical point in US-China relations and raises questions about the future of TikTok in the country.
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