TikTok faces temporary ban in the U.S.: What’s next?

TikTok has gone dark in the U.S., leaving its 170 million American users in limbo after a long-standing battle over the app’s future. As of late Saturday night, users received a notification stating that the app was offline due to a newly enacted law banning TikTok in the United States. The app, along with its counterparts Lemon8 and CapCut, was also removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The ban comes as a major disruption for millions of Americans who rely on TikTok for news, entertainment, and income. However, the blackout might not be permanent.

A Path to Reinstatement

President-elect Donald Trump has signaled he may delay the ban by issuing a 90-day extension once he assumes office on Monday. Speaking to NBC News, Trump suggested he would make an announcement on his first day in office, potentially offering TikTok a temporary reprieve.

Trump, who has shifted his stance on TikTok, recently called for its preservation, posting on Truth Social: “SAVE TIKTOK!” He attributed his election success to the app, which he claims helped him connect with younger voters. Trump has also expressed a willingness to work with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to keep the app running in the U.S.

TikTok acknowledged Trump’s support in a pop-up message notifying users of the shutdown. The message expressed hope for a resolution under Trump’s administration.

Legal and Political Complexities

The current ban stems from bipartisan legislation passed under President Joe Biden, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a ban. The law reflects ongoing national security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership.

While Trump may delay enforcement, he cannot undo the legislation without congressional approval. For companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle, which host TikTok’s services in the U.S., the legal risks of continuing operations are significant. Apple cited compliance with the law as the reason for removing TikTok from its app store, even as it remains accessible to existing users.

Long-Term Solutions

To ensure TikTok’s survival, ByteDance would need to sell the app to an American or allied buyer, or Congress would have to pass a new law reversing the ban.

Potential buyers, including a group led by billionaire Frank McCourt and “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets. However, ByteDance has resisted selling its prized algorithm, which underpins the app’s addictive appeal.

Another option is a spinoff of TikTok’s U.S. operations, but this would complicate content sharing between American and global users. Recent reports suggest that China is considering allowing a sale, with Elon Musk emerging as a potential buyer. Musk’s resources and connections to the Trump administration could make him a viable candidate, but his interest remains unclear.

Uncertain Future

Even with Trump’s proposed extension, TikTok’s fate remains uncertain. The app’s survival hinges on ByteDance’s willingness to sell and Congress’s approach to regulating foreign-owned technology. For now, TikTok’s millions of U.S. users can only wait and hope for a resolution.

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