TikTok Threatens to Go Dark for 170 Million Americans Unless Biden Acts ‘Immediately’


TikTok has issued a stark warning to the Biden administration, saying it will shut down its services for over 170 million Americans this Sunday unless urgent intervention is made. This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a controversial law, passed in April, to take effect, demanding that TikTok be sold to American buyers or face a nationwide ban. The law, passed with bipartisan support, has created a looming crisis for the popular app as it faces the possibility of losing its American user base unless the Biden administration steps in swiftly.

TikTok’s statement on Friday evening highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the ban’s enforcement, especially with President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. The company expressed that it has not received the necessary assurances to continue its operations in the U.S. from the current administration. Without a clear and definitive statement from the Biden White House that guarantees no enforcement of the ban, TikTok warned it would be forced to go offline starting Sunday, January 19.

The law, which raises national security concerns over TikTok’s ties to China, mandates that the app either sell to U.S. owners or face penalties. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, in a video, appealed for support from President Trump, emphasizing that the company is determined to protect the rights of its users in the U.S. He praised Trump’s commitment to finding a solution to keep TikTok operational, noting the app’s importance for millions of Americans who rely on it for social and creative engagement.

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, which focused on national security and data privacy issues, the practical aspects of enforcing such a ban remain unclear. The ruling acknowledged TikTok’s significance in connecting millions of Americans, but it was primarily concerned with the data collection practices of the app and its potential link to the Chinese government. As the Biden administration winds down, all eyes are now on Trump to navigate the next steps for TikTok.

With the law now in effect, uncertainty lingers for millions of TikTok users and content creators in the U.S. TikTok’s fate depends on the new administration’s stance, and while some in Congress advocate for more time, the pressure to enforce the law grows. Trump’s involvement may be pivotal in determining whether the app will remain accessible or if it will be shut down, leaving millions of users without access to their favorite platform.