Millions of TikTok users were blocked from accessing the popular app in the US as a national ban came into effect yesterday, with US president-elect Donald Trump unable to intervene until he takes office.
TikTok, removed from prominent app stores hours before the ban, said in a message to users attempting to log on that a “law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US.”
“Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” it said. “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
The blackout followed a US Supreme Court decision on Friday to uphold a law banning the popular video-sharing platform in the name of national security, unless its Chinese owners reached a deal to sell it to non-Chinese buyers by yesterday.
From teenage dancers to grandmothers sharing cooking tips, TikTok has been embraced for its ability to transform ordinary users into global celebrities when a video goes viral.
It also has a fan in Trump, who has credited the app with connecting him to younger voters, contributing to his election victory in November last year.
After discussing TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he could activate a 90-day reprieve after he reclaims the Oval Office today.
“The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” he said. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
The law allows a 90-day delay if the White House can show progress toward a viable deal, but TikTok owner ByteDance has flatly refused any sale.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden’s administration has said it would leave the matter to Trump. TikTok chief executive officer Chew Shou Zi (周受資) appealed to Trump after the court defeat, thanking him for his “commitment to work with us to find a solution.”
Chew — who is also set to attend today’s inauguration — said Trump “truly understands our platform.”
Besides removing TikTok from app stores, the law requires Apple and Google to block new downloads, with the companies liable for penalties of up to US$5,000 per user if the app is accessed.
Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s servers, would also be legally obligated to enforce the ban.
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