TikTok faces US shutdown over legal and political uncertainty

App faces nationwide ban unless a last-minute deal or assurance is reached.

In this photo illustration, an 11-year-old boy views the TikTok app on a smartphone screen in the village of St. Jean d'Aulps near Morzine, France, on April 4, 2023. Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Widya Lestari

TikTok has announced it will "go dark" in the United States on Sunday, cutting off access to its 170 million users unless the government provides assurances that a controversial law mandating its sale or ban will not be enforced. The app’s warning comes as legal and political tensions escalate over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership.

On Friday, the US Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok to either be sold to non-Chinese buyers or face a ban. With the Sunday deadline looming, TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance as negotiations stall and government leaders scramble for solutions.

TikTok, known for its ability to transform ordinary users into viral sensations, has become a cultural phenomenon in the United States. From teenagers showcasing dance routines to grandparents sharing recipes, the platform has captivated a diverse audience. Even politicians have recognized its influence, with outgoing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump leveraging the app to connect with younger voters.

Trump credited TikTok as a vital tool during his election campaign, underscoring its role in his November victory. However, his administration is now tasked with resolving the app's uncertain future. On Friday, Trump revealed that he had discussed TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping but emphasized the need for more time to reach a decision.

"My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!" Trump wrote on social media.

TikTok's US operations face a strict mandate under the newly upheld law: Apple and Google must remove TikTok from their app stores, blocking downloads nationwide. Oracle, the company hosting TikTok's servers, is also required to enforce the ban. Companies failing to comply could face penalties of up to $5,000 per user who can still access the app.

Late Friday, TikTok CEO Shou Chew appealed to the Biden administration for immediate action, calling for assurances that the law will not be enforced.

"If the government does not provide a definitive statement, we will be forced to halt our services in the United States," Chew warned.

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has rejected proposals to sell its US operations. While investors like Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary have expressed interest in purchasing TikTok’s US division, ByteDance remains steadfast in its refusal.

O'Leary disclosed that ByteDance had been offered $20 billion for TikTok’s US operations, but legal questions loom. The law’s rigid framework is seen as "president-proof," according to Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress.

Cornell University law professor Sarah Kreps noted that even an executive order from Trump to halt the ban might not override the law. "If an executive order conflicts with an existing law, the law takes precedence and can be struck down by the courts," she explained.

Should TikTok be forced to shut down, its US-based competitors stand to benefit. Platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts could see an influx of creators and users migrating to their services.

In anticipation of the potential ban, thousands of TikTok users have already turned to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese app similar to Instagram. Known as "Little Red Book" or "Red Note," it was the most downloaded app on the US Apple Store this week.

The looming TikTok ban has sparked a political firestorm. Lawmakers who initially supported the law are now concerned about its broader implications, particularly as Trump’s administration prepares to transition power. The Biden administration has indicated it will leave the issue for Trump’s incoming government to address, adding further uncertainty to the situation.

TikTok’s users have expressed frustration and concern over the app’s potential disappearance. The platform’s unique ability to connect and entertain millions has fostered a loyal community that sees the ban as a loss for creative expression.

Meanwhile, Trump and TikTok’s leadership remain under pressure to strike a deal before the Sunday deadline. Whether through political intervention or a legal breakthrough, the clock is ticking for TikTok and its 170 million US users.

TikTok’s uncertain future underscores the complexities of balancing national security concerns with the globalized nature of digital platforms. As the deadline approaches, the outcome of this high-stakes battle will set a precedent for how governments navigate similar challenges in the future.

For now, millions of TikTok users await clarity, while the platform's fate rests in the hands of political leaders and business negotiators. Whether TikTok survives or "goes dark" on Sunday will likely be a turning point in the evolving relationship between technology, policy, and public life.

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