TikTok is preparing to suspend its platform for U.S. users as early as Sunday, sources familiar with the matter said, unless the Supreme Court intervenes to block a federal ban set to take effect. The planned shutdown, which would affect millions of users nationwide, marks the latest development in the escalating scrutiny over TikTok's ties to Chinese parent company ByteDance.
According to The Information, individuals attempting to access the TikTok app starting Sunday would see a pop-up message redirecting them to a website with information about the ban. The company also plans to offer users the ability to download their data as part of its shutdown strategy, the sources said.
The federal ban would prohibit new downloads of TikTok from Apple's App Store and Google Play, but under TikTok's plan, the app could be fully disabled for all U.S. users. This approach goes beyond the scope of the law, which allows existing users to continue accessing the platform for a limited period.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has come under fire from U.S. lawmakers and regulators over concerns about data security and potential influence from the Chinese government. President Joe Biden signed a law last year requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban.
The looming shutdown follows years of mounting tension between the U.S. government and TikTok, which has faced restrictions in several states and on federal devices. ByteDance, a privately held company with significant institutional backing, has argued that the law mandating its divestment violates the First Amendment's protection of free speech.
TikTok said in a court filing last month that a one-month ban could cause an estimated one-third of its 170 million U.S. users to stop accessing the platform. The company has requested a delay in implementing the ban, but the Supreme Court appears inclined to uphold the law, despite calls from President-elect Donald Trump and some lawmakers to extend the deadline.
Trump, whose inauguration is scheduled for the day after the law takes effect, has called for additional time to explore a "political resolution." Analysts believe the incoming administration may prioritize a negotiated solution, though the timing of any potential deal remains uncertain.
The ban on TikTok has significant economic implications, as the platform plays a crucial role in marketing strategies and the creator economy. With its extensive reach, particularly among younger demographics, TikTok has become a vital tool for content creators and businesses alike.
Some analysts suggest that the ban could benefit competitors, including Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms, as well as Google's YouTube, which have been vying for dominance in the short-form video market.
