As TikTok braces for a potentially catastrophic ban, the company urges immediate action from the US government to avoid disconnecting its service for millions of users.
TikTok Signals Imminent Closure in the US Amidst Federal Ban Crisis
TikTok Signals Imminent Closure in the US Amidst Federal Ban Crisis
The popular app warns of a total shutdown without urgent government intervention.
TikTok has issued an alarming warning that it may "go dark" in the United States this Sunday if no intervention occurs before the enforcement of a federal ban. In their statement, the company expressed frustration with the Biden administration and the Department of Justice for not providing clarity and reassurance necessary for the service's continuity. TikTok emphasized that if the government does not issue an immediate assurance against enforcement, operations will cease on January 19.
This announcement follows a recent Supreme Court ruling which upheld legislation mandating a ban on the app unless ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, sells the platform by the impending deadline. TikTok challenged the law, citing violations of free speech rights for its vast user base in the United States.
The Supreme Court's decision raises alarms for the future of the incredibly popular app, with its removal from app stores and web hosting services looming if a buyer is not found quickly. Previously, there were indications that existing users of the app might still have access. However, TikTok’s latest update clarifies that all 170 million users in the US may experience an immediate shutdown, including those attempting downloads after Sunday.
This story is developing, and more updates will follow as the situation unfolds. For real-time updates, users can download the BBC News App or follow @BBCBreaking on X.
