TikTok voluntarily shut down service in the U.S. late Saturday night, which means that millions of users can no longer use the app. This shutdown happened after the Supreme Court supported a new law that raises concerns about TikTok’s connections to China.
Last year, Congress passed a law that required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok by January 19. If they didn’t, TikTok would be removed from U.S. app stores and hosting services. TikTok argued that selling the app was not an option and took the matter to court, but the Supreme Court ruled against them unanimously on Friday.
The Supreme Court ruled that a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app does not violate the free speech rights of TikTok or its 170 million U.S. users. The law was put in place due to concerns that China could collect sensitive data from American users.
Just before the deadline on Sunday, TikTok voluntarily shut down its service in the U.S. When users opened the app Saturday night, they saw a message saying, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” and mentioned that a law banning the app had been enacted. TikTok hopes to find a solution with the incoming Trump administration.
The app is no longer available for download on Apple or Google Play stores. Although TikTok said it would “go dark” if the law was enforced, the White House called this a “stunt.” They advised TikTok to discuss its issues with the new administration.
If TikTok is eventually sold, the law could be lifted, but it would take time to rebuild the app without its original features. The Supreme Court emphasized the need for this law to protect U.S. citizens from data collection by a foreign adversary.
TikTok’s CEO expressed hope for the app’s future under Trump, who previously tried to ban TikTok due to security concerns. However, unless the law changes or TikTok is sold, the app’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain.
