What Happens if TikTok Shuts Down in the US?

The popular social media app TikTok is preparing for a potential shutdown for users in the United States starting this Sunday. This move comes as a federal ban on the app looms, awaiting a decision from the US Supreme Court that could delay its enforcement. But what happens if TikTok shuts down in the US? Sources familiar with the situation revealed TikTokโs plans to comply with the ban while keeping users informed.
Understanding the Ban
The federal law, signed by President Joe Biden in April last year, mandates TikTokโs Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. If the Supreme Court upholds the law, it will prohibit new downloads of TikTok on Apple and Google app stores. However, existing users may continue to access the app temporarily before the ban takes full effect.
In contrast, TikTokโs shutdown plan is more comprehensive. If the app is blocked, users attempting to open it will be greeted with a pop-up message redirecting them to a website with detailed information about the ban. This proactive step aims to provide transparency and clarity to the millions of users affected.
How Users Can Assess Their Data
TikTok also plans to offer an option for users to download all their personal data from the app. This move ensures that users retain access to their information, including videos, messages, and account details, even if the app becomes inaccessible.
Ownership and Workforce
Privately held ByteDance owns TikTok, with its institutional investors, such as BlackRock and General Atlantic, holding a 60% stake. The companyโs founders and employees own the remaining shares, split equally. ByteDance has over 7,000 employees in the US, underscoring its significant presence in the country despite its Chinese roots.
What Happens if TikTok Shuts Down in the US?
TikTok and ByteDance have been actively fighting the impending ban, arguing that it violates the US Constitutionโs First Amendment, which protects free speech. In a recent court filing, TikTok estimated that one-third of its 170 million US users would stop using the app if the ban lasts a month, highlighting the potential impact on its user base and business operations.
The issue has also taken on a political dimension. While President Biden supports the law, former President Donald Trump has called for an extension of the deadline to allow his successor to explore a โpolitical resolution.โ However, the Supreme Court appears inclined to uphold the law, making the situation increasingly urgent for TikTok.
Impact on Users and Society
If the ban proceeds, millions of Americans, particularly young users, will lose access to a platform that has become a significant part of their social and creative lives. TikTokโs popularity stems from its role in fostering self-expression, entertainment, and even small business promotion. For influencers and businesses, the ban could mean losing a vital tool for outreach and engagement.
While the shutdown reflects growing concerns over data security and foreign ownership, it also underscores the broader debate about balancing national security with digital freedom. For now, TikTokโs users face uncertainty, and the companyโs fight against the ban continues to shape the future of social media in the US.
See Also: Social Media Shakeup: How RedNote is Gaining Ground Amid TikTok Ban Talks
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