18-1-2025 (WASHINGTON) In a move that could affect 170 million American users, TikTok has announced plans to cease US operations on Sunday, 19 January, unless the government provides assurances against punitive measures targeting service providers under the recently upheld sale-or-ban legislation.
The US Supreme Court’s Friday ruling has upheld legislation requiring the Chinese-owned platform to either secure non-Chinese buyers or face a nationwide ban, citing national security concerns. The decision has created a tense countdown to Sunday’s deadline.
The situation has taken an intriguing political turn, with President-elect Donald Trump emerging as a potential mediator. Following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Trump indicated he needs additional time to review the matter, having previously credited the platform for helping secure younger voters in his November victory.
TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi has made direct appeals to Trump, expressing gratitude for his willingness to seek a resolution. The platform’s leadership is stepping up diplomatic efforts, with Chew scheduled to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
The outgoing Biden administration has deferred the matter to the incoming Trump team, creating a complex transition period as the deadline approaches. The legislation mandates severe penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to $5,000 per user for companies like Apple and Google if they fail to remove TikTok from their app stores.
Potential buyers have emerged, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who has expressed readiness to acquire TikTok’s US operations. Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary revealed that ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, received a $20 billion offer for its US division, though ByteDance has consistently rejected sale proposals.
Legal experts, including Cornell University’s Professor Sarah Kreps, note that presidential intervention may face limitations, as the legislation was crafted to be “virtually president-proof.” The law’s provisions could supersede any executive orders attempting to halt the ban.
The potential shutdown has already influenced user behaviour, with many Americans migrating to alternative platforms. Xiaohongshu, nicknamed “Red Note” by US users, has topped the Apple Store’s download charts this week, while established competitors Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts stand poised to benefit from any TikTok departure.
The platform’s potential darkness threatens to disrupt countless content creators, from teenage dancers to elderly cooking enthusiasts, who have built substantial followings on the app.
