TikTok becomes unavailable in the US as federal ban takes effect

TikTok shuts down US access

TikTok ceased functioning for users in the United States on Sunday and was removed from major app stores just ahead of a federal law banning the platform. The law mandates TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a nationwide ban.

TikTok shutdown and App Store removal

Users attempting to access the app were greeted with a message stating, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.” The platform has been pulled from Google Play Store, Apple’s App Store, and TikTok’s official website in the US.

TikTok warned users late Saturday that the app would become “temporarily unavailable” as the ban was set to take effect on January 19. The company expressed regret over the situation and assured users they were working on restoring services.

TikTok’s statement

In a notification to US users, TikTok said: “We regret that a US law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We’re working to restore our service in the US as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Please stay tuned.”

The platform also hinted at potential relief under the incoming administration, stating, “It is fortunate that President Donald Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”

Trump’s response

President-elect Donald Trump, in a Saturday interview with NBC News, discussed the situation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hinted at offering a 90-day reprieve after taking office on Monday.

“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate,” Trump said. He added that he would likely announce a decision on Monday after his inauguration.

Impact of the ban

The TikTok ban has sparked debate among Americans, with some users expressing frustration over losing access to the popular platform. TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain as negotiations and potential policy reversals under the new administration unfold.

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