TikTok cut off its users’ access late Saturday in the United States, just before a nationwide ban on the app was about to go into force.
President-elect Donald Trump cannot stop the ban until he takes office.
“TikTok is prohibited by legislation in the United States. A notice to those trying to access the app stated, “Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
“We’re lucky that President Trump has said he will collaborate with us to find a way to bring TikTok back once he goes into office. “Please pay attention!” the message added.
The US Supreme Court upheld a provision on Friday that would ban the well-known video-sharing platform in the name of national security unless its Chinese owners agree to sell it to non-Chinese bidders by Sunday, following months of legal battles.
TikTok has been hailed for its potential to turn regular users into international celebrities when a video goes viral, from grandmothers providing cooking advice to teenage dancers.
Trump, who has praised the app for helping him reach younger voters and help him win the election in November 2024, is another admirer.
After speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping on TikTok, Trump told NBC News on Saturday that once he regains the White House, he could initiate a 90-day respite.
“I believe we should consider that as a possibility. Before Monday’s inauguration, he stated, “It is likely that the 90-day extension will be implemented because it is appropriate.”
Trump stated, “I’ll probably announce on Monday if I decide to do that.”
If the White House can demonstrate progress towards a feasible agreement, the statute permits a 90-day deferral; however, ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has categorically rejected any sale.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre described TikTok’s recent remarks as a “stunt,” and the administration of departing President Joe Biden has stated that it will leave the issue to Trump.
Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok, made a plea to Trump following the court ruling, expressing gratitude for his “commitment to work with us to find a solution.”
He further stated that Trump “genuinely comprehends our platform.”
Chew is also scheduled to go to Monday’s inauguration of Trump.
The law mandates that Google and Apple take TikTok out of their app stores and prevent fresh downloads. The businesses may be subject to fines of up to $5,000 for each user who has access to the app.
The company that hosts TikTok’s servers, Oracle, would also be required by law to implement the prohibition.
The law mandates that Google and Apple take TikTok out of their app stores and prevent fresh downloads. The businesses may be subject to fines of up to $5,000 for each user who has access to the app.
The company that hosts TikTok’s servers, Oracle, would also be required by law to implement the prohibition.
A source familiar with the transaction told AFP that the highly-regarded start-up Perplexity AI made a last-minute approach on Saturday to merge with TikTok’s US division.
ByteDance, the parent business, could be able to find a solution through that agreement without having to sell the app completely.
The proposal, which was initially made public by US broadcaster CNBC, would combine the resources of Perplexity AI and US TikTok into a new joint company. Jeff Bezos, the creator of Amazon, has supported this idea.
