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TikTok, the global social media sensation with 170 million monthly users in the U.S., is set to shut down its operations in America this Sunday, Jan. 19. The move follows the implementation of a U.S. law banning the app, sparking concerns worldwide, including in Cyprus, about how this decision could ripple across the digital landscape.
The U.S. law, signed by President Joe Biden last April, prohibits new downloads of TikTok and blocks updates for existing users. However, TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has decided to go beyond these measures, planning a complete shutdown for American users. Starting Sunday, users in the U.S. will reportedly be redirected to an information page about the ban and given the chance to download their data before access is cut off.
For TikTok users in Cyprus, this development raises questions about whether similar restrictions could one day spread to Europe. Lawmakers in the U.S. have cited national security concerns, alleging that TikTok could share user data with the Chinese government, as required by Chinese law. While the European Union has not imposed such a ban, the ongoing scrutiny of TikTok by Western governments is something Cypriot users should be watching closely.
The app’s popularity among Cypriots, especially young people, mirrors its global success. Its creative format has made it a platform for everything from sharing lighthearted videos to raising awareness about social issues. However, with the U.S. shutdown and increasing scrutiny from governments worldwide, Cypriot users may feel the need to stay informed about how this could influence their online activity.
Interestingly, other Chinese apps, such as Xiaohongshu and Lemon8 (also owned by ByteDance), have surged in downloads in recent days, suggesting that users are exploring alternatives. This trend could extend to Cyprus if concerns about TikTok’s future grow among local users.
TikTok has appealed the U.S. law to the Supreme Court, but with the ban set to take effect on Sunday, a resolution appears unlikely. For now, Cypriot users can continue to enjoy the app, but the global developments serve as a reminder of how quickly the digital world can change, potentially impacting users even in far-flung regions like Cyprus.
*With information from The Wrap
