TikTok to go Dark on Sunday January 19

January 17, 2025

As of January 19, 2025, TikTok is set to “go dark” for its 170 million American users unless the U.S. government intervenes. This follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding a law that mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its ownership by this date due to national security concerns.

Implications for Users:

• App Accessibility: TikTok will likely be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, preventing new downloads. Existing users may continue to use the app, but without updates, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and degraded performance over time.
• Content Creators and Businesses: Many creators and small businesses rely on TikTok for income and audience engagement. The ban introduces uncertainty, prompting some to migrate to alternative platforms like RedNote.

Political Developments:

President-elect Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated on January 20, has indicated opposition to the ban, despite initially supporting it. He has stated, “My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation.” This suggests potential policy shifts that could influence TikTok’s future in the U.S.

Next Steps:

The situation remains fluid, with TikTok urging the U.S. government for clarity to prevent service disruptions. The incoming administration’s decisions will be pivotal in determining whether TikTok continues operations or faces an extended ban in the United States.

Sources:  Forbes, BBC, AP News, NY Post and Investopedia.