TikTok is preparing to shut down in the US on Sunday, but it could be bigger than many users expected.
If TikTok does not find a buyer before Sunday, Jan 19, it may have to stop operating in the US. deadline.
But according to The Information (via Reuters), TikTok plans to completely block American users from accessing the app. New users in the US will not be able to download and install the app, while existing users who try to open the app will see a spam message directing them to a website with more information about the ban, preventing them from using it at all. the TikTok app.
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This is not required by law. TikTok is actually required to only block new downloads of TikTok from the Apple and Google app stores in the US, while existing users can still use the app (temporarily, at least), although they won’t be able to update it. .
It is not clear why TikTok would choose such a nuclear option. The app is reportedly planning to give users the option to download all their data.
How to download your favorite TikToks before getting banned
TikTok has been fighting the ban, which was done because of the Biden administration’s belief that China has too much influence on TikTok, through legal means, although it has had little success.
There is also a chance that ByteDance will find a last-minute buyer. Microsoft, which previously tried to acquire TikTok but failed, and X CEO Elon Musk, are as popular as possible.
