In the United States, TikTok users open the app and find a message saying they “cannot use” the social media platform “at this time” due to a law enacted in Washington.
A ban on the app was set to take effect today after outgoing President Joe Biden signed a law last year requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to divest. TikTok for reasons of national security or risk a ban in one of its largest markets.
The app no longer appeared on the Apple or Google app stores.
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the United States. Unfortunately, this means you cannot use TikTok at this time,” reads the message from the app used by US users.
“We are fortunate that President (Donald) Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!
US President-elect Donald Trump has said TikTok will likely get a reprieve. Photo: Reuters
It comes after Mr Trump, who will be inaugurated as the 47th president tomorrow in Washington DC, said TikTok would “very likely” be handed over. a 90-day reprieve from the ban.
While President Biden said he had no plans to enforce the legislation, ByteDance said the app “would be forced to go dark” today after a Supreme Court ruling unanimously upheld the ban.
Speaking to NBC News” Meet The Press moderator Kristen Welker yesterday. However, the president-elect said he is considering give TikTok more time to find a buyer.
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Mr. Trump told Sky’s U.S. partner network in a phone interview: “I think that would definitely be an option that we look at.”
“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it is appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate. We need to examine it carefully. This is a very big situation.
“If I decide to do it, I will probably announce it on Monday.”
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Disgruntled TikTok users have flocked to other social media platforms, such as not compare yourself.
“Twitter is not the same as TikTok” a user said. “Plus, here I can get a hundred views (for a business that’s nothing), but on TikTok we get millions of views and can make a lot of money. It’s not even in the same situation.
Another echoed this sentiment by pointing out how “TikTok has literally built careers, made artists go viral.”
Their X post read: “The fact that TikTok is banned absolutely blows my mind.
“Many businesses have thrived on the app and now have to adapt to other social media platforms that might not even be as successful.”
There have been signs that TikTok could make a comeback under the leadership of Mr Trump, who has previously said he wants to seek a “political resolution” to the problem and last month urged the Supreme Court to halt implementation of the ‘prohibition.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend the US presidential inauguration and attend a rally with Mr Trump today, a source told Reuters.