The widely popular TikTok app came to an abrupt halt Saturday night, according to AP reports. Users opening the app were greeted by a notification halting their scrolling sessions.
“A law banning TikTok in the United States has been enacted,” read the message. “Unfortunately, this means you can’t use TikTok for now.” The notice expressed hope for a resolution after Donald Trump’s expected return to the presidency on January 20.
TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google app stores before the federal ban came into force. By 10:50 PM Eastern Time, the app was unavailable for download due to compliance with the new legal framework.
A Chance to Save TikTok
Former President Trump hinted at granting TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid its ban. “It’s a critical decision that needs careful consideration,” he stated. Current regulations signed by President Biden mandate ByteDance to sell TikTok by Sunday, or face an outright ban. However, the law does allow for an extension under certain conditions.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the federal law, leaving the platform’s future uncertain. With 170 million users in the U.S., the stakes are high. Trump is reportedly exploring executive orders to keep TikTok operational.
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