In brief
In a move anticipated by many, TikTok has abruptly ceased its services in the United States as a new legal prohibition looms.
On Sunday, TikTok users in the United States noticed a message stating that a law banning their favorite app had been instated, indicating that they are currently unable to access the platform. The message read: "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office." This shutdown comes on the heels of an ultimatum issued by TikTok, stating it would "go dark" if assurances against the ban were not provided by the Biden administration. President-elect Trump expressed a strong likelihood of granting TikTok a 90-day extension from the impending ban once he assumes the presidency. Users also reported that TikTok had been removed from various platforms, including the US App Store, and videos were no longer accessible on TikTok.com. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling on Friday that upheld the ban unless ByteDance, TikTok's parent company based in China, sold its interests in the app by January 19—a deadline that has passed without action. The legislation, which was enacted last April, mandated that ByteDance sell the American version of TikTok to a neutral entity to avoid a complete prohibition. TikTok has countered this law, asserting that it infringes upon the free speech rights of its approximately 170 million users in the US. As this situation unfolds, further updates on this developing story will be provided. Stay informed with the latest news through the BBC News App or follow @BBCBreaking on X for real-time alerts.
