Ban Takes Effect Hours Before Deadline TikTok has gone offline in the US just hours before a ban was set to begin. A message on the app informed US users that a new law banning TikTok had been enacted. It stated, “You can’t use TikTok for now.” The video-sharing platform was barred due to concerns about its ties to the Chinese government. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, was required to sell the app to a US-approved buyer by January 19.

President Joe Biden had decided to leave the issue to his successor, Donald Trump. Trump suggested granting TikTok a 90-day reprieve once he assumes office. “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely happen because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC News. He added that any announcement would probably come on Monday.

App Removed and Legal Challenges Persist Users reported TikTok’s removal from Apple and Google’s US app stores. The website, TikTok.com, also stopped displaying videos. Following the ban, TikTok’s chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, expressed gratitude to Trump for his willingness to collaborate on a solution. Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

The Supreme Court recently upheld the law mandating TikTok’s sale unless ByteDance complied by Sunday. TikTok has argued that the law infringes on free speech rights, affecting its 170 million US users. Content creators posted farewell messages as the platform’s shutdown approached. Nicole Bloomgarden shared concerns about losing significant income, while Erika Thompson highlighted the loss of educational content as a major setback for the community.

TikTok’s shutdown message assured users that efforts were underway to restore services. It stated, “We’re working to bring TikTok back to the U.S. as soon as possible.”