TikTok Shuts Down: Video App Goes Dark in U.S. as Divestiture Bill Is Set to Become Law
TikTok has shut down.
The wildly popular social video app has gone dark in the U.S. as the divestiture bill is set to became law at midnight on Jan. 19.
When The Hollywood Reporter opened the app around 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday, a message popped up which read, “sorry TikTok isn’t available right now.”
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” it continued. “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office Please stay tuned!”
It then gives users the option to close the app, or click “learn more,” which directs them to the TikTok website.
The Biden administration had said that “actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday.”
However, with the law taking effect Sunday, TikTok chose to shut down rather than risk enforcement. President Trump, who will be sworn into office Monday, indicated on Friday that he is looking for a solutoon to keep the app alive.
He told NBC’s Meet the Press that he would “most likely” sign a 90-day extension, potentially giving him and TikTok parent ByteDance time to find a solution.
“The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it,” Trump said in a statement Friday. “My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!”
In response, TikTok CEO Shou Chew released a video thanking Trump for his support, though he stopped short of saying the app would remain online.
“I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States,” he said. “This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.”
According to a source at the company, TikTok employees had been proceeding as though the app would be operating as usual throughout the week.
A memo was sent via Slack earlier in the week that explained that TikTok is a global brand and does not need U.S. to continue operating successfully. There was no indication what might happen to specific “TikTok U.S.” employees.
That being said, the source said that the mood inside the company was “tense and confused.”
But despite all the political posturing, TikTok is dark, and the clock is ticking to find a solution to bring it back online.
