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TikTok goes offline in US hours before ban due to come in | BBC News

#Social Media Marketing
2025-01-21 12:009 min read

Content Introduction

The video discusses TikTok's removal from app stores in the United States due to national security concerns regarding its Chinese ownership. As a result, 170 million American users received messages indicating that TikTok is unavailable. The ban was implemented following a law passed by Congress, and while President-elect Donald Trump has suggested a possible 90-day reprieve, the legal feasibility remains in question. TikTok has exhausted legal channels, with recent court rulings upholding the law. The video explores potential buyers for TikTok, including Elon Musk and other investors, amidst discussions on national security and the future of the app in the U.S.

Key Information

  • TikTok has stopped working in the United States and is no longer available on Apple and Google App Stores due to a law implementing its shutdown.
  • The U.S. government cited national security concerns regarding the Chinese-owned app.
  • President-elect Donald Trump hinted at a possible 90-day reprieve for TikTok from the impending ban.
  • Users attempting to access TikTok in the U.S. are receiving messages indicating the app is unavailable, which is part of the recently enacted law.
  • The law banning TikTok was passed by Congress last year over national security concerns related to its Chinese ownership.
  • TikTok and its Chinese owner have had nine months to sell the app to a U.S. buyer, which didn't happen.
  • Despite its potential reprieve by Trump, if companies like Oracle and others continue to offer TikTok they would technically be violating the current law.
  • Various companies and individuals, including former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire investor Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok operations in the U.S.
  • Elon Musk is also seen as a potential suitor for TikTok, with speculation about merging it with his platform X (formerly Twitter).

Timeline Analysis

Content Keywords

TikTok Ban in the US

TikTok has ceased operations in the United States, disappearing from Apple and Google App Stores due to a law aimed at shutting the app down over national security concerns regarding its Chinese ownership. President-elect Donald Trump has suggested a possible 90-day reprieve.

National Security Concerns

The U.S. government has cited national security concerns regarding the Chinese ownership of TikTok, leading to legislative actions intended to ban the app after the company was given a grace period to potentially sell to a U.S. buyer.

Impact on Users

Users in the U.S., including 170 million TikTok users, are receiving messages stating that the app is not available due to the enforcement of this law, which was passed by Congress.

Legal Proceedings

TikTok has pursued legal avenues to challenge the law restricting its operations but has faced setbacks as U.S. courts upheld the law. The Supreme Court confirmed the legality of the ban.

Corporate Responses

Companies like Oracle are involved in facilitating some operations of TikTok under the looming ban, raising questions about legal implications for corporations choosing to defy the law.

Potential Buyers

Following the announcement of the ban, there are discussions around potential buyers for TikTok's U.S. operations. Interested parties include AI startups and prominent individuals like Elon Musk, who has been linked to possible acquisition plans.

Related questions&answers

Why has TikTok stopped working in the United States?

TikTok has stopped working in the United States as part of a blackout ahead of a law implementing its shutdown due to National Security concerns about the Chinese-owned video app.

What happens when Americans try to access TikTok now?

Americans trying to access TikTok receive a message that the app is not available right now, due to a law banning it that has been enacted.

How many American users are affected by the TikTok ban?

Approximately 170 million American users are affected by the TikTok ban.

What has President-elect Donald Trump said regarding the TikTok ban?

President-elect Donald Trump has mentioned that he will likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban.

What legal actions has TikTok taken against the shutdown?

TikTok has exhausted every legal avenue, including taking the issue to a US appeals court where the law was upheld.

Will Joe Biden's administration enforce the TikTok ban?

Although the law is technically in force, Joe Biden's administration has stated they will not enforce this law.

Are there any potential buyers for TikTok?

Yes, there are several potential suitors that have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, including Elon Musk and other investors.

What did TikTok's Chinese owners fail to do?

TikTok's Chinese owners were given nine months to sell the app to a US buyer but did not do so.

What are the potential consequences for companies that continue to support TikTok in the US?

Companies continuing to support TikTok may be technically flouting the law and could face legal action or fines.

What is the nature of the concerns behind TikTok's ban in the US?

The concerns are primarily focused on National Security due to TikTok being a Chinese-owned app and the implications of data privacy.

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