TikTok, an app used by a third of US adults, could be banned within days — despite legal battles, political maneuvering and an incoming administration that seems especially friendly.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of a law that would ban TikTok for the 170 million people who use the app in the U.S. If the court upholds the law, as other courts have, the ban will go into effect on Sunday, January. 19.
On Wednesday, January 15, Reuters reported that TikTok will shut down its app to US users on Sunday unless the court intervenes. Anonymous sources told Reuters that this means anyone in the US who opens the app will see a pop-up message that will take them to a website with information about the ban. If the ban is reversed, TikTok sources told Reuters it would be able to restore the service “in a relatively short time.”
All the while, TikTok CEO Shou Chew may be invited to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, January 20, signaling mutual support between the tech CEO and the incoming administration.
When will the TikTok ban take effect?
TikTok’s ban will come into effect on January 19, unless the Supreme Court overturns the ban.
Is there any way to unban TikTok before the 19th?
TikTok has tried just about everything — taking it to court multiple times, encouraging lawmakers, batting an eye at Donald Trump — but they’ve run out of ways to stop TikTok from being banned before the 19th. The app is on its last ditch effort to persuade the Supreme Court to stop the ban.
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“President Trump exercises his authority to extend it by not extending it — but he can’t do that on January 19. On January 19, we still have President Biden, and on January 19, as I understand it, we closed, TikTok’s attorney Noel Francisco told judges during oral arguments Friday. “It’s possible that come January 20, 21, 22, we could be in a different world. Again, that’s one of the reasons why I think it makes perfect sense to put out a pre-order here and buy everybody some breathing room.”
If TikTok is banned, can I keep it on my phone?
Yes, you can keep TikTok on your phone after the ban takes effect, but you won’t be able to update it. App stores like Apple and Google and web hosting companies will be penalized by the government if they distribute or update the app. And, as Reuters reported, you’ll likely see a pop-up window when you try to open the app that will direct you to a website with more information about the ban.
What are the creators doing?
TikTok creators are encouraging their followers and fans to follow them on other platforms. However, as Meta becomes increasingly hostile to protected groups, not all of them are asking their followers to join them on Instagram or Facebook. Instead, some creators are using the Chinese app RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu.
What is RedNote? The Chinese app, known as Xiaohongshu, TikTokkers are flocking to
Is there any way to get TikTok back after the 19th?
Yes, but these paths are complicated and will take time.
Where does Trump stand on TikTok?
The president-elect has changed his mind about TikTok and is currently in support of the app. In 2024, he announced, “I’m going to save TikTok” on the campaign trail.
How can I download my favorite TikTok videos?
How to download your favorite TikToks before the ban
Just add a Chrome extension to download your favorite TikTok videos. Videos take up a lot of space, so you may want to use an external hard drive. We have written a more complete guide on how to download your favorite TikTok videos if you want to know what to do step by step.
We’ll continue to update this story as more information comes out.