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There were posts on X and unverified news reports that claimed that the ban on social media platform has come into effect in the US.
Social media users and unverified reports claimed that the ban on Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok may have come into effect in the US. Dutch news agency BNO News shared a screenshot of a TikTok user from US on X which showed that the popular social media platform is going to halt its services in the country.
An X profile named Discussing Films that focuses on pop culture news also shared a similar screenshot on X, saying that users across the US are receiving a message on opening the app that says that the ban is in effect.
“Important update from Tik Tok: We regret that a US law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We’re working to restore our service in the US as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Please stay tuned,” the notification said.
TikTok earlier said it will have to “go dark” this weekend unless the outgoing Biden administration assures the company it won’t enforce a shutdown of the popular app after the Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning the app unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company.
The Supreme Court in its ruling held that the risk to national security posed by TikTok’s ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app or its 170 million users in the United States.
“TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, noting that actions to implement the law will fall to the new administration.
TikTok released a statement late Friday saying “statements issued today by both the Biden White House and the Department of Justice have failed to provide the necessary clarity and assurance to the service providers that are integral to maintaining TikTok’s availability to over 170 million Americans.”
“Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19,” the statement said.
Trump Reprieve On The Cards
President-elect Donald Trump said he is considering a reprieve on the small video creating and sharing app — after he takes office.
From teenage dancers to grandmothers sharing cooking tips, TikTok has been embraced for its ability to transform ordinary users into global celebrities when a video goes viral.
It also has a fan in Trump, who has credited the app with connecting him to younger voters, contributing to his election victory in November.
After discussing TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he could activate a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he reclaims the Oval Office.
“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” he said, ahead of Monday’s inauguration.
“If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
The law allows a 90-day delay if the White House can show progress toward a viable deal, but TikTok owner ByteDance has flatly refused any sale.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)