Late on Saturday night, TikTok users across the United States were hit with a major shocker—the app stopped working! 😵💫 The popular video-sharing platform vanished from Apple and Google app stores just before a new law requiring its shutdown took effect on Sunday. This sudden move has left 170 million American users wondering what's next.
But wait, there's more! President-elect Donald Trump mentioned earlier that he would \"most likely\" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday. 🧐 TikTok cited this in a message to its users, saying:
\"A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. 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.\"
In addition to TikTok, other apps owned by ByteDance—like the video editing app Capcut and the social app Lemon8—also went offline and disappeared from U.S. app stores late Saturday. 📵
Trump told NBC:
\"The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it's appropriate. If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday.\"
This situation has left many creators and small businesses in limbo. TikTok has been a game-changer, shaping online culture and powering small enterprises. 💡 On Friday, the platform warned it would go dark unless the incoming administration provided assurances to companies like Apple and Google that they wouldn't face enforcement actions when the ban takes effect.
Under a law passed last year and upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday, TikTok has until Sunday to cut ties with its parent company, ByteDance, or shut down its U.S. operations to address national security concerns.
The White House, on Saturday, emphasized that it's up to the incoming administration to take action. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said:
\"We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday.\"
So, will TikTok make a comeback? 🤔 We'll have to wait and see what unfolds in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates! 📲
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
