‘You can’t use TikTok for now’: app ‘temporarily’ suspends US service as ban takes effect

TikTok announced late Saturday that its services will be “temporarily unavailable” in the US, following the Supreme Court’s approval of a law requiring the app to sever ties with its Chinese parent, ByteDance, or face a ban. The law takes effect at midnight on Sunday, US Eastern time.

“We regret that a US law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19,” the company said in a pop-up notification. “We are working to restore services as soon as possible.”

The message concluded: “We appreciate your support. Please stay tuned.”

If TikTok shuts down its server, its 170 million users will lose access to the platform entirely. Apple and Google Play are also expected to removed the app.

Under the law, platforms like Apple and Google’s app stores, as well as internet hosting providers, could face penalties of up to US$5,000 per user if they continue to offer TikTok after the divestment deadline expires.

Congress passed the TikTok bill in April 2024, and it was signed into law by departing US President Joe Biden.

Biden, whose term ends on Monday, has opted not to enforce the ban, leaving the incoming administration of Donald Trump to resolve the issue. The White House on Friday stated that there was insufficient time left in his administration to ensure implementation and compliance.