TikTok has announced it will be forced to “go dark” in the U.S. on Sunday unless the government intervenes to prevent a looming ban.
In a statement on Friday, the company criticized the White House and Department of Justice for failing to provide clarity and assurances to service providers essential to keeping the app operational.
Unless the government steps in to confirm TikTok won’t face penalties under the impending ban, the platform will shut down its U.S. operations on January 19. This comes after the Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the U.S. version of the app to a neutral party by Sunday to avoid a ban.
The law, passed in April 2024, mandates ByteDance sell its stake or risk the app being removed from app stores and web hosting services. Although previously believed to only affect new downloads, TikTok now warns it could become inaccessible for existing users immediately.
The Supreme Court’s decision follows concerns over national security and allegations that TikTok could share user data with Beijing. ByteDance has denied these claims and argued the ban violates free speech rights for its 170 million U.S. users.
The looming ban has prompted content creators to bid farewell to followers and explore alternative platforms.
Some creators, like Nicole Bloomgarden, worry about financial losses, while others, like Erika Thompson, emphasize the loss of educational content.
Users have begun directing followers to other platforms, including China’s Red Note app.
The ban will also pose a challenge for the incoming administration.
President-elect Donald Trump, who initially supported the ban, has recently expressed hesitation, stating he needs more time to review the situation. Trump previously discussed TikTok with China’s President Xi Jinping and acknowledged its role in engaging young voters.
ByteDance has refused to sell its U.S. operations, signaling its intent to shut the app down unless a last-minute solution emerges.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials continue to raise concerns about data security and the potential misuse of Americans’ information by foreign governments.
TikTok’s timeline with the U.S. government has been fraught with legal battles and political debates, leaving its future in the country uncertain.
Unless ByteDance complies or a compromise is reached, TikTok will cease operations in the U.S. on January 19, 2025.
