TikTok plans to shut its app for U.S. users from Sunday

Unusual Whales

15 Jan 2025 • 1 min read

TikTok plans to disable its app for U.S. users starting Sunday, aligning with a potential federal ban on the platform unless the Supreme Court intervenes to block the law, sources familiar with the situation revealed.

Unlike the legislation, which would prohibit new TikTok downloads from Apple and Google app stores while allowing existing users temporary continued access, TikTok's approach involves a full shutdown for all users. According to the sources, users attempting to open the app will be met with a pop-up message directing them to a website offering information about the ban. The company will also provide an option for users to download their data, preserving personal information.

One source noted that shutting down the app’s services requires minimal preparation, and normal operations have largely continued this week. If the ban is later overturned, TikTok could reinstate service for U.S. users relatively quickly.

Neither TikTok nor its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, responded to Reuters' request for comments. U.S. tech publication The Information first reported the news.

ByteDance, which is privately held, is approximately 60% owned by institutional investors such as BlackRock and General Atlantic, with the remaining ownership split between its founders and employees (20% each). The company employs over 7,000 people in the United States.

In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban on TikTok. Last week, the Supreme Court appeared likely to uphold the law, despite calls from President-elect Donald Trump and other lawmakers to extend the deadline.

Trump, set to be inaugurated a day after the law takes effect, has stated that his administration should have the opportunity to pursue a "political resolution" to the issue.

TikTok and ByteDance are seeking at least a delay in the law's implementation, arguing it violates the First Amendment by restricting free speech protections.

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