New York
CNN
The future of TikTok in the U.S. is uncertain. A new law will take effect soon, requiring TikTok to find a new owner that isn’t based in China. If it doesn’t happen, a ban will kick in.
This could mean a big change for the 170 million Americans who use TikTok for entertainment, news, or even to run their businesses. TikTok has grown into a serious competitor to apps like Instagram and YouTube.
Recently, the Supreme Court confirmed the law, inching closer to a possible ban. TikTok announced that, without a clear directive from the Biden administration, it would shut down as scheduled.
With just days left, many questions remain. Will the current administration step in? It’s looking unlikely. What about the incoming Trump administration? There are hints Trump might take some action to keep TikTok alive.
On Friday, TikTok urged the government for clarity about its future. The company warned it would stop operations unless it received assurances from the Biden administration.
“Today’s statements from the White House and the Department of Justice haven’t given the needed clarity for TikTok to continue,” a company spokesperson said.
Experts predict that on the ban date, TikTok could vanish from app stores. This means new users wouldn’t be able to download it. Current users might still use the app, but without updates, it’ll likely start to glitch over time.
An official from the Biden administration mentioned the outgoing president will leave the issue to Trump. This means app stores might decide for themselves whether to comply with the ban.
If users want to keep accessing TikTok without interruption, they might need a VPN to bypass a ban.
The main concern surrounding TikTok is its potential national security risk. Officials worry that the Chinese government could access personal data from U.S. users, posing a risk for intelligence operations or misinformation campaigns.
While there’s no current evidence to support these fears, lawmakers believe the risk exists due to China’s strict security laws. This narrative is part of a broader concern regarding trade and human rights issues related to China.
Previous reports have indicated that employees in China accessed user data. TikTok claims to have enhanced its data privacy measures in recent years, including storing U.S. data on servers located in the United States.
In April, President Biden signed a bill requiring TikTok to either sell itself or face a ban. The law got strong bipartisan support, and it was fast-tracked through passing in Congress.
Interestingly, while Trump proposed a ban during his presidency, he has reversed his stance and now seems keen on saving the app.
The timing of the ban’s enforcement is tricky, as it falls just before Trump takes office. Trump had asked the Supreme Court to delay the ban, claiming it would give him time to negotiate a sale of TikTok.
At his inauguration, TikTok’s CEO is expected to be present, signaling Trump’s serious interest in the app. Now, some Congress members are suggesting TikTok might need more time to find a buyer.
Though a sale might restore access to TikTok, the app could be changed significantly. If the algorithm can’t be sold, new owners would need to create a different version of the app’s content feed. This won’t be an easy task; many tech companies have tried and failed to replicate TikTok’s success.
Without the algorithm, TikTok’s U.S. assets could be worth between $40 billion and $50 billion. However, the algorithm’s value is a major part of TikTok’s appeal, making it challenging to pin down a precise worth for the company.
A group led by billionaire Frank McCourt is interested in buying TikTok but is waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision before moving forward with serious negotiations.
Even if TikTok ends up being banned, a sale could reopen access for users. However, many changes would be necessary, such as a potential new app for international users to access content from American creators.
Until the deadline passes, many questions remain. What will happen to users? Will TikTok find a new owner? The answers could shape the future of one of the most popular social platforms in the world.
