TikTok blocks US access amid Trump push for reinstatement

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Jan 2025 08:10

The ban, upheld by the US Supreme Court, requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations to a non-Chinese entity by the deadline, citing national security concerns.

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TikTok's logo. (AFP via Getty Images)

TikTok restricted access for users in the United States late Saturday, just ahead of a national ban on the app. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on Monday, has yet to take any action to halt the ban.

A message displayed to users attempting to access the platform read, "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. "

"Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now." The message further stated, "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!"

The US Supreme Court upheld the ban on Friday, citing national security concerns, unless TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, finalizes a sale to non-Chinese buyers by Sunday.

The big picture

TikTok, known for turning everyday users into viral sensations, has a wide appeal ranging from teenage dancers to grandparents sharing recipes. The platform has also gained favor with Trump, who credits it with helping him connect to younger voters, which he believes contributed to his November election victory.

In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump revealed he had discussed the app with Chinese President Xi Jinping and was considering a temporary solution.

"The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it's appropriate," Trump said. "If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday."

The law permits a 90-day delay if progress is made on a deal, but ByteDance has consistently refused to sell the app. Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden's administration stated it would defer the matter to Trump. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed TikTok's latest statement as a "stunt."

TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed gratitude to Trump for his "commitment to work with us to find a solution," adding, "Trump truly understands our platform." Chew is also expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

Under the new law, Apple and Google must remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing new downloads, and could face fines of up to $5,000 per user who continues to access the app. Oracle, TikTok’s server host, would also be required to enforce the ban.