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TikTok, the popular social media app, disappeared from U.S. app stores late Saturday night after a federal law banning its operation came into effect. By 10:50 p.m. EST, TikTok was no longer available for download on Apple, Google Play, or Amazon app stores. This ban marks a dramatic escalation in tensions over the app’s Chinese ownership and its alleged risks to U.S. national security.
Why Was TikTok Banned?
The U.S. government has long expressed concerns about TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and its potential misuse of user data. Under the new law, ByteDance was required to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban. Despite earlier speculation that existing users could still access the app, TikTok has gone dark across platforms. When users opened the app on Saturday night, they were met with a pop-up message explaining the situation:
While the app itself is now inoperable, tech-savvy users can still access TikTok’s web version using a virtual private network (VPN).
"A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now," the message read.
Trump's Role and a Glimmer of Hope
TikTok’s message to users carried a hint of optimism, citing former President Donald Trump’s support:
"We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!"
Trump, set to be inaugurated on Monday, has indicated he might grant a 60 to 90-day extension for ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations, potentially allowing TikTok to return. However, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law requiring ByteDance to divest, complicating Trump’s proposed resolution.
Workarounds to Bypass the Ban
While the app itself is now inoperable, tech-savvy users can still access TikTok’s web version using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN masks a user’s location, tricking the internet into thinking they’re in a country where TikTok is still available. However, this workaround isn’t foolproof, as TikTok can still track geolocation data.
For users who attempt to log in via the website, some might need to create a new account, as it lacks the app’s personalized features. Despite these hurdles, tests by DailyMail.com confirmed that VPNs allow limited access to TikTok’s web content.
Alternatives and Fallout
The ban has sparked a scramble for alternatives. RedNote, a China-based social media platform similar to Instagram, has surged in popularity, becoming the most downloaded app on the U.S. Apple Store. Other platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Twitch are also poised to benefit.
Interestingly, ByteDance’s other apps, such as Lemon8 and CapCut, have also gone offline in the U.S., leaving creators and marketers grappling with contingency plans.
What’s Next for TikTok?
The future of TikTok hinges on whether ByteDance can divest its U.S. operations to an approved buyer. Potential suitors include AI startup Perplexity AI and a consortium led by investors Kevin O’Leary and Frank McCourt, with offers ranging from $20 billion to over $50 billion. However, Perplexity’s bid notably excludes acquiring ByteDance’s proprietary algorithm, opting instead to build a new one for the U.S. market.
For now, TikTok users are left in limbo. While Trump’s return to office offers a potential lifeline, the road ahead is uncertain. Meanwhile, nostalgic trends like the “TikTok Graveyard,” a website that lets users download their app data and create virtual tombstones for their TikTok memories, highlight the emotional impact of the ban on its millions of fans.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the debate over TikTok’s future is far from over.
Source: Daily Mail UK
