TikTok went down for all American influencers and customers hours earlier than the January 19, 2025, ban went into impact. As soon as individuals within the U.S. opened their apps to search out that they couldn’t submit movies anymore, social media blew up with memes and playful “RIP” jokes. The fan-favorite social media platform turned one of the widespread world wide, however TikTok was additionally the place many influencers bought their begin. So, how lengthy might TikTok be banned within the U.S.?
Under is the whole lot we all know in regards to the TikTok ban and the way lengthy it might final.
Why Was TikTok Banned within the U.S.?
TikTok is now banned within the U.S. as a result of lawmakers in America raised considerations in regards to the app’s safety. The federal government was anxious that the Chinese language authorities might entry and steal American customers’ knowledge on the social media app, and in addition use it to unfold misinformation.
TikTok is owned by an organization named ByteDance, which is headquartered in Beijing, China. Congress gave them time to promote the app to a U.S. government-approved firm; in any other case the app could be banned in America. President Joe Biden signed the laws into legislation in mid-2024, and the Supreme Court docket upheld the laws shortly earlier than the ban went into impact in January 2025.
Can I Nonetheless Use My TikTok Account?
Technically, American TikTok customers can nonetheless use their accounts, however they will’t submit new content material, reload their associates’ posts or purchase something within the app’s store. Every customers’ profile and their movies haven’t been deleted, although. Whereas making an attempt to open the app on January 18, everybody in America was greeted with the next message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t out there proper now. A legislation banning TikTok has been enacted within the U.S. Sadly, which means you’ll be able to’t use TikTok for now. We’re lucky that President Trump has indicated that he’ll work with us on an answer to reinstate TikTok as soon as he takes workplace. Please keep tuned! Within the meantime, you’ll be able to nonetheless log in to obtain your knowledge.”
How Lengthy Is the TikTok Ban?
Donald Trump expressed an curiosity in offering an extension to the authorized ban. When requested about it, he informed reporters {that a} 90-day extension would “actually [be] an choice” to think about.
“The 90-day extension is one thing that shall be more than likely carried out as a result of it’s applicable. You understand, it’s applicable,” Trump stated, per NBC Information. “We have now to have a look at it rigorously. It’s a really massive state of affairs.”
The Republican added that if he does “determine” to do that, then he’ll “in all probability announce it on Monday,” referring to his inauguration.
