Update, Sunday Jan 19, 2025: This article has been updated with Tiktok’s statement on the return of the service.
Legislation to ban TikTok in the United States has come into effect. What does this mean for TikTok users in the US?
Update: Why Has TikTok Restored Services?
Update, Sunday Jan 19, 2025, 1200 Eastern:
Writing on X.com, TikTok’s Policy account has stated that it is restoring the TikTok service to users in the United States:
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.
“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.
Update: Does This Mean TikTok Is No Longer Banned?
Update, Sunday Jan 19, 2025, 1200 Eastern:
The legislation did not require ByteDance to stop the TikTok service, it required providers to disallow downloading or updating TikTok in the United States. App Store management (including Apple and Google) will need to decide to return the application to their respective app stores. That may not happen until the Executive Order is published and considered by counsel.
Until then, it will not be possible to download or update TikTok in the United States.
Why Is TikTok Banned In The USA?
Following the United States “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” coming into force on Jan 19, 2025, applications developed by the Chinese-based ByteDance Ltd (and any of its subsidiaries) may not be made available for downloading or updating in the US.
This includes not only TikTok, but also TikTok Studio, TikTok Shop Seller Center, CapCut, Lemon8, Hypic, Lark – Team Collaboration, Lark – Rooms Display, Lark Rooms Controller, Gauth: AI Study Companion, and Marvel Snap.
Why Can I Not Download TikTok?
The major app stores, including those run by Apple and Google for Android, iPhone, and iPad, have removed TikTok, so it is not available for download. This also includes any future version of the app that may address bugs or security issues.
Am I Breaking The Law By Having TikTok On My Phone?
The act only applies to those making TikTok available for downloading or offering app updates. It does not make it illegal to have TikTok on your phone.
Why Can I Not Open TikTok?
ByteDance has blocked the service for its US users, even if they already have downloaded TikTok. Opening TikTok now will bring up an alert that says, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
Why Does My Friend In Another Country Get To Use TikTok?
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act only applies in the United States of America.
Have I Lost My TikTok Account?
In the short term, it is unlikely that ByteDance will delete accounts and remove data. If there is a quick resolution, it will want to restore TikTok “as-is” to the American user base. It is unclear what will happen to account data if the Act remains in force.
Should I Try To Go Around The TikTok Ban?
Many guides and services are promoting their ability to get around the TikTok ban. As ByteDance has blocked the service, these workarounds are unlikely to be effective for long.
There will also be many scams and fraudsters looking at the shutdown of TikTok and instructions asking users to change network settings and privacy permissions on their phones as an opportunity to be exploited.
It is not recommended you try to circumvent the US shutdown.
What Could Happen Next?
The act does not instruct ByteDance to stop the TikTok service, and it prevents the app from being distributed from this point forward. ByteDance has made its own decision to stop TikTok service in the USA. Many believe this to be a political action to encourage citizens to engage with their representatives to negotiate a solution.
The alert on opening TikTok suggests this is the intention. The last line says, “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.”
Can President Trump Reverse The Ban?
Following his inauguration on 20 Jan, 2025, Donald Trump has said he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban on taking office.
The President can pause the ban for up to 90 days, but only if ByteDance can show it is progressing of selling TikTok to a US company. The legality of any executive order outside of a delay to accommodate a sale is unclear. Apple and Google will not want to expose themselves to legal liabilities that could be measured in billions of dollars. They may not restore TikTok to the app stores until the legal situation is clear.
What If ByteDance Does Not Sell TikTok?
If ByteDance does not sell TikTok, the Act will remain in force unless Congress decides to repeal it.
