TikTok stopped operating in the US late Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google’s app stores before a law taking effect on Sunday requires it to be shut down.
The platform, used by 170 million Americans, has attracted significant attention due to national security concerns.
President-elect Donald Trump said he will “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day extension after taking office on Monday.
TikTok cited this in a message to users, saying: “A law has been enacted banning TikTok in the United States, and unfortunately, this means you cannot use TikTok at this time. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to bring TikTok back once he is in office.” His post. Please follow.”
The law, passed by Congress, gives the incoming administration the authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps. Other ByteDance apps, including CapCut and Lemon8, were also not available in US app stores on Saturday.
“The 90-day extension is something that will likely be implemented because it is appropriate,” Trump told NBC. “If I decide to do so, I will probably announce it on Monday.”
Some users reported losing access to the app late Saturday, while others who tried to access TikTok’s web version received a notification about the shutdown. TikTok warned on Friday that it would stop operating in the United States unless President Joe Biden’s administration provides guarantees to companies like Apple and Google against executive action.
TikTok is required by law to cut ties with ByteDance or cease US operations to address security concerns. The Biden White House stated on Saturday that the matter concerns the next administration.
“We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take action in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the United States of suppressing TikTok, saying: “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely protect its legitimate rights and interests.”
The uncertainty surrounding TikTok has prompted users to explore alternatives like RedNote. Meta and Snap saw stock gains, anticipating user shifts and increased ad revenue. VPN searches rose as users sought ways to bypass restrictions.
NordVPN reported technical issues amid the request.
Instagram users have raised concerns about pending TikTok Shop orders, while marketing companies that rely on TikTok scrambled to prepare backup plans. Some analysts expect TikTok to make a comeback under the Trump administration.
Trump expressed interest in reaching a “political solution” and urged the Supreme Court to halt implementation of the ban.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is planning to attend the US President’s inauguration and join a rally with Trump on Sunday. Media reports suggest that ByteDance has explored selling TikTok’s US operations, with Elon Musk among the potential buyers, although the company denies this.
Privately held ByteDance is 60% owned by institutional investors, including BlackRock and General Atlantic, while its founders and employees own the remaining 40%. The company employs more than 7,000 people in the United States