TikTok is preparing to disable its app for users in the United States as early as Sunday if a federal ban takes effect as planned, according to a report by The Information. The platform’s fate now hinges on whether the Supreme Court intervenes to prevent the enforcement of the law.
If the app ceases operations entirely for U.S. users, it would go beyond the legal requirement, which stipulates that only new downloads from Apple and Google app stores would be restricted. Under the law, existing users would still be able to access and use TikTok for a limited period before further enforcement measures take place.
As part of its contingency plan, TikTok intends to display a pop-up notification for users attempting to access the app. This alert will redirect them to a webpage providing detailed information regarding the ban, as cited by sources familiar with the company’s strategy.
Additionally, TikTok is reportedly working on a feature that would allow users to export their personal data, ensuring they can retain a record of their content and account history before the potential shutdown.
The regulatory scrutiny stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April last year, mandating that ByteDance divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a comprehensive nationwide ban. The Chinese tech company has sought legal recourse, arguing that the law infringes upon First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech from governmental interference.
In a recent legal filing, TikTok projected that approximately one-third of its 170 million American users would stop engaging with the platform if the ban remains in place for a month, illustrating the potentially severe impact on its user base.
According to an NBC News report on Wednesday, the Biden administration is investigating potential solutions to maintain TikTok’s availability in the United States despite the impending ban set to take effect on Sunday, citing three sources familiar with the discussions.
Written by Alius Noreika
