“The 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,” the company said. “Unless the Biden administration immediately provides a definitive statement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19.”
The law, which was passed by Congress in April 2024, gave TikTok a 120-day grace period to divest from ByteDance or face a nationwide ban. While users who already have the app installed may continue to access it, updates and support would cease, gradually rendering the platform unusable.
Adding another twist to this digital drama, President Biden has deferred the responsibility of enforcement to President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Monday. Trump, once a vocal critic of TikTok, has hinted at the possibility of issuing an executive order to delay the law’s enforcement for 60 to 90 days, potentially allowing for a sale to a U.S. buyer.
Meanwhile, on the streets of New York City, a mock funeral was held in honor of the app, with mourners expressing their sadness over its potential demise. This emotional demonstration underscored the app’s influence on millions of users, many of whom have built careers, communities, and creative outlets on TikTok.
At the heart of the controversy, government officials argue that TikTok’s connections to China pose a national security threat, claiming that the app could be used for data collection and algorithmic manipulation. TikTok has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them unfounded.
As TikTok battles for survival, its CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is expected to be in attendance at Trump’s inauguration on Monday, joining other tech giants such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook. The high-profile appearance may signal a new chapter for the app, depending on how Trump handles the looming crisis.
With the clock ticking down to the deadline, the fate of TikTok—and its millions of American users—hangs in the balance. Will the platform’s lights stay on, or will its digital footprint be erased from American screens?