TikTok has announced that it will go offline on Sunday, January 19, unless the Biden administration provides a clear assurance to its key service providers that they will not face legal consequences for supporting the app. These service providers include Apple and Google, which distribute TikTok through their app stores, as well as hosting partners like Amazon and Oracle.
Supreme Court Ruling Upholds Ban Unless ByteDance Divests
The announcement follows a Supreme Court ruling on Friday, which upheld the law banning TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its ownership stake. In response to the ruling, TikTok CEO Shou Chew appealed directly to President-elect Donald Trump via video but did not specify what the company plans to do once the ban takes effect at midnight on Saturday.
Biden Administration Passes the Issue to Trump
The Biden administration has made it clear that the fate of TikTok now lies with the incoming Trump administration, which is set to take office on Monday, January 20. President Biden has stated that while he supports TikTok’s availability in the U.S., it must be under American ownership or a structure that addresses national security concerns.
“President Biden’s position on TikTok has been clear for months,” the White House stated on Friday. “TikTok should remain available to Americans but under ownership that mitigates national security risks. However, given the timing, the implementation of this law will fall to the next administration.”
Trump, who has previously supported TikTok’s survival, stated on Friday that he discussed trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and other issues with China’s President Xi Jinping.
Department of Justice Stands Firm on Ban
Despite calls for clarity, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has reinforced its commitment to enforcing the ban. Under the law, U.S. service providers could face $5,000 fines per user if they continue allowing access to TikTok after the deadline.
“Authoritarian regimes should not have unrestricted access to millions of Americans’ sensitive data,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday. “The Court’s decision upholds a law that protects U.S. national security while remaining consistent with the Constitution.”
Political Pressure Mounts as Deadline Approaches
As the deadline looms, several politicians who originally voted in favor of the ban are now reconsidering their stance. According to The New York Times, Senator Chuck Schumer has urged President Biden to delay the ban, arguing that enforcing it could “damage his legacy.”
Final Warning: TikTok to Go Dark on January 19
With no definitive assurance from the Biden administration, TikTok has reiterated that it will shut down operations in the U.S. on January 19.
“Unless the Biden administration immediately provides a statement that satisfies our most critical service providers and assures non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19,” the company said in a statement.
As uncertainty grows, TikTok’s 170 million American users await a final decision on the platform’s future in the U.S.
