The TikTok application is no longer available in the United States since this Sunday, a few hours before its ban officially came into force. Users can no longer access the app or the social network’s website, which has also disappeared from US app stores.
The ban comes after TikTok’s parent company failed to divest its U.S. operations as required by the “Protection of the Public from Hostile Foreign Entities” Act, passed six months ago by Congress and signed by the President Biden.
The United States Supreme Court two days ago rejected TikTok’s appeal challenging its closure, dismissing the argument that the measure violated constitutionally protected free speech. Following the decision, the White House stated that “the social network may continue to operate in the United States, but only under American ownership or under conditions that address national security concerns raised by Congress.”
-A message posted to US TikTok users reads: “We are fortunate that President-elect Trump has suggested he will work on a solution regarding the network’s situation.” Recent reports indicate attempts to merge TikTok’s US operations with a local company. Donald Trump himself indicated that he would probably sign a presidential decree granting TikTok additional time to regularize its situation in the country.
The Supreme Court had set January 19 as the deadline for TikTok to be sold to non-Chinese owners, failing which its activities would be banned in the country. If TikTok’s appeal was rejected, enforcement of this ban will now fall to the next administration.
