More than 170 million U.S. users may lose access to the Chinese platform starting Sunday. However, some existing users might retain limited access for a short period.
TikTok is planning to shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday, January 19, in anticipation of a ban unless blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court, according to sources familiar with the matter. This was reported by AFP and Reuters.
The platform, which boasts over 170 million users in the U.S., plans an immediate cessation of operations rather than allowing existing users continued access as initially expected. The law prohibits new downloads of TikTok from Apple and Google app stores, but previously, it was thought that current users could continue using the app for some time.
Instead, TikTok reportedly plans to display a contextual message to users attempting to open the app, directing them to a website with information about the ban, according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.
Additionally, TikTok plans to allow users to download all their personal data before the shutdown.
One workaround for U.S. users might be using VPNs (virtual private networks) to mask their location by rerouting their connection through countries where TikTok remains available. Another possibility is that TikTok could update its app through non-U.S. servers in collaboration with foreign, non-Chinese companies. However, such a move would openly defy U.S. authorities and likely escalate scrutiny of ByteDance’s operations in the U.S.
