TikTok abruptly went offline in the U.S. ahead of a nationwide ban, impacting 170 million users. The ban, citing national security concerns, follows a Supreme Court decision. President-elect Trump may delay the ban for 90 days, offering hope for influencers, businesses, and users who rely on the platform.
TikTok went offline across the United States on Saturday night, just hours before a nationwide ban came into effect, leaving over 170 million users stunned. Upon opening the app, users encountered a message announcing its unavailability due to a new law banning TikTok, citing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership.
The ban was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday, reinforcing legislation signed by President Joe Biden in April. However, hope for a reprieve arose as President-elect Donald Trump hinted at a potential 90-day delay to reassess the situation. Trump’s decision will be announced Monday, leaving users and content creators in limbo.
The sudden shutdown has deeply affected influencers and small businesses reliant on TikTok for income and engagement. Many took to social media to express their sadness and frustration, with some calling the app a lifeline for creative expression and entrepreneurial success. Posts flooded platforms like Instagram and Twitter, with many urging others to use VPNs as a workaround.
The ban also led to TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps being removed from app stores, while U.S.-based service providers ceased hosting its data to comply with the law.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, recently met with Trump, fueling speculation about a possible resolution. While millions mourn the loss of the platform, many remain hopeful for a swift compromise to restore access to the beloved app. ByteDance has yet to issue an official statement.
