TikTok likely to ‘go dark’ in US, leaving millions of users in limbo
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Millions of TikTok users in the US found themselves in limbo after the US Supreme Court ruled a ban on the Chinese short video platform, believing it could be a potential threat to national security, with an exemption that it be sold to a non-Chinese entity to survive the ban.
The court's unanimous 9-0 ruling has left millions of TikTok users uncertain as the platform prepares to “go dark” for its 170 million US users starting Sunday.
TikTok, owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, is under scrutiny due to concerns that its Chinese ownership could pose a national security risk. The law, which has bipartisan backing, aims to prevent the app from being used to collect sensitive data from US citizens for potential espionage. If TikTok fails to sell to a non-Chinese entity by the deadline, the app will be banned in the US.
As TikTok braces for the impact, the platform has appealed to the Biden administration for clarity and reassurance. TikTok has requested that the administration assure service providers, such as Apple and Google, that they will not face enforcement actions if they continue to offer the app on their platforms once the ban takes effect. The Biden administration, however, has not provided a definitive response, leaving the app’s future in question.
Former President Donald Trump, who is set to return to office on Monday, has shown interest in intervening in the situation. Trump had previously sought to ban the app during his administration and could play a significant role in determining TikTok's fate. While no official decision has been made, Trump’s team is reportedly reviewing the matter, with discussions surrounding potential legal measures to allow the app to continue operating.
TikTok has become a dominant social media platform in the US, particularly among younger generations. The prospect of a ban has left users, including influencers who rely on the app for income, in shock and uncertainty. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration in hopes of influencing the incoming administration’s stance on the matter.
Despite the legal challenges, there is still a possibility that TikTok could avoid a full ban. While no buyer has yet emerged for the app, former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has expressed interest, valuing TikTok at $20 billion without its algorithm. Trump may also explore legal avenues, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, to mitigate national security concerns and allow TikTok to continue operating in the US.
The fate of TikTok will likely be determined by the next administration, with the Biden administration's stance remaining crucial for the platform’s survival in the US.