TikTok, a short-form video app beloved by millions of users in the United States, has been temporarily suspended in the country due to a federal law.
Users began receiving a message about the ban on the app. By Saturday evening, TikTok had already been removed from the Apple and Google Play stores.
"Sorry, TikTok is currently unavailable," the company said in a message. "A law has been passed in the United States banning TikTok. Unfortunately, this means you will not be able to use TikTok at this time."
The message emphasizes that this situation may be temporary. TikTok said it would work with them to resolve the issue after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, advising users to "wait and see."
Reasons for the ban
The company had warned earlier this week that the app would be suspended. On Friday, TikTok asked the administration of President Joe Biden for a "clear statement" that the ban would not go into effect.
The legislation, approved by both the House and Senate majorities last April, requires TikTok to be sold or banned by Chinese company ByteDance. President Joe Biden immediately signed the bill into law.
The issue, which first began during the Trump administration, has taken a different turn in recent months. Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay the ban and has said he is considering giving the company an additional 90 days.
Trump administration stance
The Supreme Court upheld the law on Friday, but the Biden administration appears keen to leave the app’s fate to the next president. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that action on the law’s impact would have to be taken during the Trump administration.
TikTok, however, said it expects a firm stance from the Biden administration. The company said it could delist “critical service providers” if the necessary safeguards are not in place.
Alternative apps and future plans
Uncertainty remains over TikTok’s future in the US. Trump confirmed to NBC News that he will likely grant the app an additional 90 days after taking office on Monday.
"It would be an appropriate step. We have to take this seriously because it is very important," Trump said.
Meanwhile, alternative apps that are trying to replace TikTok, such as RedNote and Lemon8, are gaining popularity among users.
It remains to be seen whether TikTok will be sold in the future or whether ByteDance will make another decision.
