TikTok quickly became one of the most popular social media and entertainment apps in the United States — and around the world. At one point, its popularity even surpassed Google. The app offers short-form video creation and allows users to stay updated on news, creators, and more. However, American TikTok users are now facing a potential ban, set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. So, why is TikTok being banned in the United States, and is it really happening?
Read on to learn why TikTok might be banned and what this means for users.
TikTok announces it will shut down in the US on January 19th unless the Supreme Court strikes down or delays law requiring it to be sold. pic.twitter.com/a3JWs6ZTRa
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 9, 2025
Is TikTok Actually Getting Banned in 2025?
The TikTok app will disappear from app stores on smartphones on January 19, 2025. The only way this won’t happen is if the Supreme Court blocks the federal law from enforcing its ban. However, as of January 18, 2025, the Supreme Court has refused to block the federal law. So, the ban on TikTok proceeded, and American users even noticed that their apps did not load any new data or posts at around 10:30 p.m. ET on January 18.
President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in on January 20th — the day after the ban takes effect — has previously vowed to use his power to “save” the app. Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay the law’s implementation to allow him time to act once he returns to the White House, but the court declined his request.
Why Is TikTok Being Banned in the U.S.?
TikTok was banned in the U.S. due to security concerns. American lawmakers are worried that China’s government could obtain access to users’ data through the app and use it to spread misinformation. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. The company’s ties with China led Congress to pass legislation on banning TikTok unless it was sold to a U.S. government-approved owner. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law in April 2024 and gave ByteDance until January 19, 2025, to halt its ownership over TikTok.
TikTok argued that the U.S. ban violates the First Amendment, but federal judges rejected the challenge. With the legislation upheld, the ban on TikTok remains in effect.
Can TikTok Users Still Have an Account?
Yes, U.S. TikTok users who already have the app downloaded on their phones can keep their accounts. However, they will not be able to download it again from the App Store.
The ban could also hinder TikTok’s ability to send updates, including bug fixes and security patches, which could eventually degrade the app’s performance, making it less usable, according to the Associated Press.
One potential workaround is using a virtual private network (VPN), which could help mask a user’s location.
