TikTok's ban is looming on Sunday. Here's what you need to know as a user
TikTok's January 19th ban looms, and with the deadline just days away, it's unclear whether the app will depart from American app stores or survive under new ownership. As the first platform in years to challenge Instagram and YouTube's dominance, TikTok has become a beloved source of entertainment, news, and community for 170 million Americans.
Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the ban, pushing the clock closer to the impending shutdown. However, the uncertainty surrounding what exactly will occur persists, leaving users and experts alike guessing.
Will TikTok sever connections with the US completely, digging its heels in as per reports? Or will the Biden administration grant the incoming Trump administration time to negotiate a sale, preserving Americans' access to the app? Trump himself has expressed a desire to save the platform, but the ban goes into effect the day before his inauguration.
With the ban set to take effect in mere days, users should prepare for potential withdrawal of the app, at least in its current form. Alternatively, they might consider using a VPN to circumvent the ban.
As for Trump, his intentions remain unclear. He has asked the Supreme Court to halt the ban and negotiate a sale to save TikTok, while reportedly weighing whether or not to delay the ban.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is set to attend the inauguration, lending credence to the idea that Trump is serious about securing the app's American future. Even some in Congress are pushing back against the ban, potentially offering Trump support in delaying its implementation.
Under these circumstances, the ban's 90-day extension provision could come into play, but TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, has yet to publicly revise its stance on not selling the platform.
A sale to a non-Chinese owner could theoretically restore TikTok's US presence, provided that the algorithm, responsible for the app's "For You" feed, isn't included in the sale. Replicating the algorithm's magic has proven difficult for tech giants, leading to the creation of an alternative app for US users.
In summary, the next few days will be critical for TikTok and its users waiting on the sidelines. While the future of the app remains shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: there are more questions than answers.
The tech industry is closely watching TikTok's situation, as its potential departure or survival could have significant implications for the business world. If Trump manages to delay the ban or secure a sale to a non-Chinese owner, it could lead to innovative business opportunities.
