Can't read it? Listen now!
TikTok faces a critical turning point as its operations in the United States are set to shut down on Sunday following a Supreme Court decision that upheld a ban on the Chinese-owned app. The ban, part of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, aims to address national security concerns over TikTok’s ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance.
However, President-elect Donald Trump has signaled a possible delay of the ban, citing a need to evaluate the situation further. “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC News on Saturday. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday,” he added, leaving TikTok’s fate hanging in the balance.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous 9-0 decision reinforced bipartisan concerns about TikTok’s data access and potential misuse by the Chinese government. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle argue that ByteDance’s ownership poses a risk to national security, particularly due to the app’s vast data collection capabilities. However, critics point out that no concrete evidence has been presented of misuse by the Chinese government.
TikTok announced that the app will “go dark” starting Sunday unless the Biden administration provides clearer assurances that the law will not be enforced immediately. Companies like Google and Apple, which provide app store services, and server operators are reportedly hesitant to continue supporting TikTok due to fears of legal liability.
The uncertainty has sent shockwaves through TikTok’s massive U.S. user base of 170 million, particularly among influencers and small business owners who rely on the platform for their livelihoods. Alternative apps, including ByteDance-owned Lemon8, have seen a surge in downloads as users prepare for a possible blackout.
As Trump prepares to take office on Monday, his position on TikTok remains complicated. Once a vocal critic of the app, Trump now appears to embrace its cultural significance and popularity, even boasting about his own reach on the platform. The incoming administration could pause the ban for 90 days to explore a long-term solution, such as facilitating a U.S. purchase of TikTok’s operations.
ByteDance has thus far resisted selling the platform, arguing that TikTok plays a valuable role in American cultural and economic life. U.S. law requires significant progress on a sale for the ban to be delayed, leaving the company little room to maneuver.
The debate over TikTok reflects broader concerns about data security and the influence of foreign-owned platforms. While the app has been praised for fostering open political discourse, critics argue that its ties to the Chinese government present unacceptable risks.
Attorney General Merrick Garland commended the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating that “the decision enables the Justice Department to prevent the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to undermine America’s national security.”
Still, some analysts question whether the ban prioritizes national security or reflects broader geopolitical tensions with China. ByteDance continues to deny allegations of improper data handling.
The immediate future of TikTok in the U.S. depends on whether Trump follows through with a delay. Without intervention, service providers are expected to restrict access to the app starting Sunday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.
The decision carries significant implications for the tech industry, free speech, and the digital economy. As tensions mount, TikTok’s users and partners are bracing for a blackout that may be as short as a single day—or a precursor to a permanent ban.
