Tech
TikTok to Go Dark Sunday Unless Trump Intervenes
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has warned it may shut down its US operations by Sunday unless the government intervenes to halt an upcoming ban implemented by Congress in April 2024.
On Friday, the company said it had not received clear guidance or guarantees from the White House or the Department of Justice to ensure TikTok remains available. ByteDance cautioned that TikTok could go offline without immediate action starting January 19.
This follows the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a neutral buyer by Sunday to avoid a ban. The law, passed last April, was introduced to address national security concerns. ByteDance has opposed the measure, arguing it violates the free speech rights of its 170 million US users.
If no deal is made by the deadline, TikTok will be removed from app stores and hosting services, blocking access for new users. Over time, current users may encounter issues as updates and support cease, making the app unusable. However, ByteDance hinted the platform could disappear entirely for all users as soon as the ban takes effect.
Former President Donald Trump suggested he would likely grant a 90-day delay to push back the ban, which is set to take effect the day before his inauguration. Speaking to NBC News, Trump mentioned he would probably announce his decision early next week.
“A 90-day extension seems the right move,” Trump told NBC. “We need time to evaluate this properly. It’s a big deal.” He remarks similarly to ABC News, adding, “I have the authority to grant this, and I probably will. We’ll use the extra time to sort things out.”
Trump also revealed he had spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, discussing TikTok and other matters.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and other tech industry leaders are expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
US national security officials have expressed concerns that ByteDance could allow the Chinese government to access the Apps user data, posing risks to federal employees. TikTok has denied these claims, insisting its data remains secure.
China’s embassy in Washington criticized the US for targeting ByteDance and vowed to protect the company’s rights and interests.
Despite the controversy, the Aapp remains widely popular in the US, boasting 170 million users. The app is also a key tool for political campaigns seeking to connect with younger voters.
While Trump initially pushed for banning the app, he has recently praised its influence, citing the strong engagement his campaign videos received during the last election.
If ByteDance fails to sell TikTok by the deadline, the app will be removed from app stores and hosting platforms, as required by the April law.
