TikTok to Shut Down for U.S. Users This Sunday: Federal Ban Sparks Outrage as 170 Million Americans Brace for App Blackout Amid Supreme Court Battle

TikTok to Shut Down for U.S. Users Amid Federal Ban Unless Supreme Court Intervenes

TikTok plans to deactivate its app for U.S. users starting Sunday, aligning with the potential enactment of a federal ban unless the Supreme Court intervenes, sources familiar with the matter revealed.

Unlike the law, which mandates halting new downloads through Apple and Google app stores while allowing existing users continued access, TikTok’s plan involves a complete suspension of its U.S. operations. Insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity, said users attempting to open the app would see a pop-up message redirecting them to a website with details about the ban.

Data Download Options for Users

The social media platform is also preparing to give users the option to download their personal data, preserving access to their information. Sources noted that TikTok’s ongoing operations remain largely unaffected, with contingency measures in place for a swift restoration of services if the ban is lifted.

TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, have yet to issue a public statement. ByteDance, which is primarily owned by institutional investors like BlackRock and General Atlantic, employs over 7,000 people in the U.S.

Legal Challenges Intensify

In April, President Joe Biden signed a mandate requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, to avoid a nationwide ban. Despite calls from President-elect Donald Trump and other officials to extend the deadline, the Supreme Court recently signaled support for upholding the law.

Donald Trump, set to take office just one day after the law’s effective date, has stated his intention to pursue a “political resolution” to the matter.

ByteDance and TikTok argue that the law infringes on the First Amendment’s protections of free speech. In a recent court filing, TikTok estimated that a month-long ban could cause one-third of its 170 million U.S. users to stop accessing the platform.

👉 Stay informed with real-time updates and in-depth analysis at NewsLink7.com. Fact-checked news that matters. Follow us 24/7, 365 days. There are no sides, just the truth. Explore more stories and stay ahead with NewsLink7.com.