TikTok's U.S. ban is now in effect, preventing American users from accessing the platform. Attempts to open the app result in a message stating its unavailability due to a recently enacted law. While the message expresses hope for a future reinstatement under a potential Trump administration, no concrete timeline has been established.
The Supreme Court's unanimous rejection of TikTok's final appeal solidified the ban, citing national security concerns over data collection and the app's ties to a foreign entity, despite acknowledging TikTok's popularity and role as a platform for expression. The court's ruling emphasized Congress's determination that divestiture is necessary to address these concerns, and that the ban doesn't violate First Amendment rights.
While President-elect Trump expressed a potential 90-day delay to allow for a U.S. or allied acquisition, this remains uncertain. The lack of a buyer is the primary reason for the current ban. Interestingly, the ban's ripple effect has extended to other apps associated with ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, including CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap, which have also become inaccessible.
