The United States has officially banned TikTok, the widely popular video-sharing app owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance. The ban, which took effect on January 19, 2025, has left 170 million American users without access to the platform.
National security concerns were the driving force behind the decision. Lawmakers and officials have long argued that TikTok’s ties to China pose risks to user privacy and U.S. security. In response, Congress passed a law in April 2024 requiring ByteDance to either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company or face a complete shutdown. ByteDance refused to sell, leading to the app’s removal from the U.S. market.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, fought hard to prevent the ban, even making a last-minute appeal by attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. However, the Supreme Court upheld the law, sealing TikTok’s fate in the U.S.
Amid the controversy, there’s a glimmer of hope for TikTok users. President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly suggested a 90-day delay, potentially giving TikTok a brief window to negotiate a return. Whether a resolution can be reached remains uncertain.
(Photo source: Tiktok)
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