Can I still use TikTok after the ban? Live updates and news.
Story Summary
- The Supreme Court has confirmed a law that will lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S., set to take effect on January 20, 2025.
- This law prevents app stores from offering TikTok for download, although it will remain on devices where it is already installed.
- President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to sign an executive order to delay the ban and pursue American ownership of the platform.
TikTok is no longer operational in the U.S.
On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a law that effectively prohibits TikTok in the United States, with the ban taking effect immediately.
The ruling was based on the government's national security concerns regarding the social media platform and its parent company, ByteDance, rather than on free speech arguments. Users of TikTok are now greeted with a message informing them of the ban, but it also mentions that "President Donald Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution," encouraging users to "stay tuned." Trump is anticipated to take office tomorrow. Discussions about the TikTok ban have been trending on other social media platforms, with users sharing their thoughts and mostly making light of the situation. One user on X inquired whether non-Americans could still view content from American accounts. Another user humorously proposed selling TikTok screen recordings to American followers, with some showing interest, whether in jest or not. In response to the Supreme Court's ruling, TikTok shared a post thanking President-elect Trump for his willingness to help find a resolution and expressing gratitude to American users for being part of the community. Here’s what you need to know about the TikTok ban and its implications for users:
Is TikTok banned in the U.S.?
Yes, a law banning the TikTok app in the U.S. has come into effect today. As a result of the ban, the app is no longer available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play. While the app has been removed from these stores, it will remain on devices where it was previously installed. Did TikTok shut down today? Indeed. The abrupt shutdown of TikTok has left over 170 million monthly users without access to a platform that had become integral to their daily routines. From teens keeping up with trends and connecting with friends to creators who built careers and sought internet fame, the loss of the app has disrupted communities and livelihoods.
Can I still access TikTok after the ban?
With TikTok's plan to discontinue the app, users trying to open it today encounter a pop-up message that directs them to a website with information about the ban or suggests they close the app.
Is it possible to get around the TikTok ban using a VPN?
VPNs, which are virtual private networks that conceal your IP address and online activities by rerouting your internet traffic through a different location, are not effective for most users. “I had no success with a VPN. I tried accessing it from both Australia and the UK,” one user shared on Reddit. “I’m currently outside the US, and it still doesn’t work for me,” another added. Other alternatives, like using the Tor browser, which enables anonymous internet browsing by hiding the origin of online traffic, also failed to work.
What other applications have faced bans?
TikTok’s app and website inform users that the platform is currently unavailable in the U.S., stating that it "isn't available right now" but encouraging them to "stay tuned!" Other apps that have also shut down and display similar messages include Lemon8, CapCut – Video Editor, and Marvel Snap, all of which are linked to TikTok's parent company, ByteDance.
Will TikTok need to be sold to continue operating in the U.S.?
The legislation that prohibits TikTok in the U.S. could be overturned if the social media platform is sold. "Our stance has been clear: TikTok should keep operating but under American ownership," a White House official stated on Thursday. "Considering the timing of the ban, which coincides with a holiday weekend just before the inauguration, it will be up to the next administration to enforce it." Potential buyers rumored to be interested in the platform include YouTuber MrBeast, Frank McCourt's Project Liberty, and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, among others.
TikTok ban mentioned in Wisconsin fire incident
A 19-year-old suspect cited the TikTok ban as the motive for setting fire to a U.S. congressman’s office in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, early Sunday morning.
A man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is currently in custody at Fond du Lac County Jail, with an arson charge being forwarded to the district attorney’s office, according to police reports. Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein expressed relief that no injuries occurred and that the office was empty when the fire broke out.
Can Trump rescue TikTok?
President-elect Donald Trump, who initially advocated for a TikTok ban during his previous term, has now announced his plan to "rescue" the social media app. In a message on Truth Social, he mentioned his intention to sign an executive order that would delay the enforcement of the law, allowing TikTok to keep operating. He also expressed a desire for the United States to hold a 50% stake in a joint venture. President Joe Biden chose not to implement the TikTok ban and has decided to leave the matter to the incoming President Trump.
What will happen to my TikTok shop orders?
The future of TikTok Shop is currently unclear. For those who have placed orders or are awaiting processing or delivery, it remains uncertain how the ban will affect those transactions. House Speaker states they will enforce the law against TikTok House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., confirmed that the U.S. government will uphold the law prohibiting TikTok, despite President-elect Donald Trump's calls to pause the restrictions.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump posted “SAVE TIKTOK!” on Truth Social. Johnson conveyed to NBC’s Kristen Welker that he interpreted this as the president-elect wanting to negotiate with TikTok’s Chinese owners for a sale. “It’s not the platform that concerns Congress members. It’s the Chinese Communist Party,” Johnson stated to NBC. “The Chinese Communist Party is not our ally, and we must ensure that.”
Trump recently announced on Truth Social his plan to issue an executive order that would delay the implementation of the law. The House Speaker expressed confidence that Trump, as the head of his party, will find a resolution. On Friday, Trump mentioned that he had a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which they covered various topics, including TikTok.
TikTok's website seems to be back online
Despite the ban that was put in place on Saturday night, the TikTok website became accessible again on desktop browsers around 11:15 a.m.
ET on Sunday, as confirmed by Lawyer Monthly staff and multiple sources. Users were able to log in and view their feeds, messages, and profiles. The site was accessible on browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Apple's Safari. TikTok users have also taken to other platforms like X to report their ability to access the TikTok website. TikTok did not provide an immediate comment regarding the website's accessibility when reached by Lawyer Monthly on Sunday morning.
What is RedNote?
As the TikTok ban approached, another Chinese social media app — Xiaohongshu ("little red book"), or RedNote — started gaining traction in the U.S. Launched in 2013, RedNote has quickly become one of the fastest-growing social platforms in China. Its popularity surged in the U.S. as TikTok users sought alternatives.
Currently, it ranks No. 1 in the Apple app store and has been likened to both Instagram and Pinterest.
What are the alternatives to TikTok?
RedNote isn't the only app experiencing a surge in new users as the TikTok ban takes effect. Alongside Meta's Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels, other platforms gaining popularity among TikTok users looking for alternatives include YouTube Shorts, Fanbase, and Twitch. More: The impending TikTok ban puts content creators' livelihoods at risk.
