President Biden signed the TikTok ban into law after it was passed by Congress, with the signing taking place on Wednesday.
However, the immediate disappearance of the app from users’ phones is unlikely.
The new law requires TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or face a nationwide ban in the US.
India’s ban on TikTok four years ago provides insight into what may occur in the US. Here’s what we know about the TikTok ban:
**When does the ban go into effect?**
The earliest the ban could take effect is likely within a year. Under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, ByteDance has nine months to sell TikTok, with an additional three months if a sale is in progress. If no sale occurs, TikTok will be removed from US app stores.
**What impact will a ban have on TikTok users?**
With 170 million American users, the app’s removal from app stores would make it challenging to download or update.
While users might still use the app in the short term, compatibility issues could arise later.
Users could potentially access TikTok through other means like VPNs or foreign SIM cards.
The bill’s effectiveness hinges on Apple and Google’s control over their platforms, directing them to remove TikTok from their app stores.
**What impact will it have on TikTok stars making money on the app?**
Creators and businesses fear a ban could affect their livelihoods. Over seven million US businesses sell on TikTok, and there were more than 100,000 US-based influencers as of November 2023.
TikTok creators have emphasized the platform’s transformative impact, allowing him to pursue their career full-time.
Other influencers, say have transitioned to Instagram after the ban, although the experience hasn’t been the same.
The future remains uncertain for TikTok influencers and their earnings if the app is banned.
