TikTok may cease operations for its 170 million American users on Jan. 19, 2025, as the U.S. ban looms.
TikTok is bracing for a potential shutdown in the United States as legal battles unfold regarding its Chinese ownership. If the U.S. Supreme Court upholds a law requiring TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company, the app could go dark as early as Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, according to a source familiar with the company’s plans.
The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, mandates TikTok’s sale to a U.S.-based company or a complete shutdown. However, the Supreme Court could still rule the law unconstitutional, allowing TikTok to continue operations without changes. Discussions within the company remain ongoing, with active calls and meetings taking place as late as Wednesday, per a confidential source.
Potential Scenarios for TikTok Users
Should the ban proceed, TikTok is reportedly weighing several options:
- Immediate Shutdown: The app would go offline, becoming inaccessible to users, similar to its ban in India in 2020.
- Degraded Accessibility: Existing users might retain access to content for some time, but without updates, the app could gradually stop functioning due to lack of bug fixes and security patches.
- Restricted Downloads: The app would no longer be available in U.S. app stores, preventing new downloads.
TikTok attorney Noel Francisco stated before the Supreme Court that the app would likely “go dark” immediately if the company loses the case, cutting off access for millions of American users.
Lessons from India’s TikTok Ban
India’s TikTok ban in June 2020 serves as a precedent. Nikhil Pahwa, founder of MediaNama, noted that the app became inaccessible overnight, leaving its 200 million users scrambling for alternatives. Brands and content creators struggled to pivot, with many moving to Instagram and YouTube. Within months, Instagram launched Reels and YouTube introduced Shorts, cementing their dominance in short-form video content.
As TikTok faces a similar fate in the U.S., Chinese app RedNote has surged in popularity, topping Apple’s App Store charts. However, concerns about security and functionality remain for users and brands.
The Impact on Creators and Businesses
TikTok’s potential ban could disrupt countless creators and businesses reliant on the platform for income and marketing. Creative agencies, such as Saylor, which collaborates with brands like Disney and NBCUniversal, are already adjusting strategies.
Some brands are pausing TikTok campaigns altogether, citing concerns about the app’s vulnerability if updates are no longer possible. Will Trowbridge, Saylor’s CEO, explained, “Clients don’t want to risk being part of the app’s decline or security issues.”
The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future underscores the far-reaching implications of the ban, leaving creators and businesses searching for viable alternatives.
