TikTok Plans Shutdown in US Amid Possible Ban
The proposed ban stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April last year.
TikTok plans to shut down its app for U.S. users by Sunday unless the Supreme Court blocks a federal ban set to take effect. The potential shutdown follows the government’s push for TikTok’s ban due to security concerns over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
TikTok’s Shutdown Plan
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that TikTok’s shutdown plan differs from the federal law. While the law would block new TikTok downloads from app stores, existing users could continue to use the app for a while. TikTok, however, intends to take a more direct approach.
Users attempting to open the app will see a pop-up message with a link to a website offering information about the ban. The company also plans to provide users with an option to download all their data, allowing them to keep a record of their personal information.
Legal Battle Over the Ban
The proposed ban stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April last year. The law mandates that ByteDance sell its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. TikTok and ByteDance have challenged the law, claiming it infringes on the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, which protects free speech.
The companies are seeking a delay in the law’s enforcement, arguing that it violates constitutional rights. The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to block the ban could significantly impact the company’s future in the U.S.
Potential Impact on U.S. Users
TikTok has warned that if the ban is implemented, up to one-third of its 170 million U.S. users could stop using the platform within a month. The app has become deeply ingrained in American culture, with millions of users relying on it for entertainment, business, and social connections.
The company’s response and legal actions will be critical as the deadline approaches. If the Supreme Court does not intervene, TikTok faces an uncertain future in the United States, and the shutdown could have a major impact on its user base.
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