tiktok

The US clock strikes ‘ban or divest TikTok’

TikTok faces an uncertain future as the US government’s 19 January 2025 deadline approaches, demanding ByteDance divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban. The ultimatum, backed by the Supreme Court’s apparent readiness to uphold the decision, appears to be the culmination of years of scrutiny over the platform’s data practices and ties to China. Amid this mounting pressure, reports suggest Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), could acquire TikTok’s US operations, a proposal that has sparked debates about its feasibility and geopolitical implications.

Now, let’s see how it began..

How did the TikTok odyssey begin?

The story of TikTok began in 2014 with Musical.ly, a social media app enabling users to create and share lip-sync videos. Founded in Shanghai, it quickly gained traction among US and European teenagers. By 2017, Musical.ly had over 100 million users and caught the attention of ByteDance, a Chinese tech giant that acquired it for $1 billion. In 2018, ByteDance merged Musical.ly with its domestic app Douyin, launching TikTok for international audiences. Leveraging powerful machine-learning algorithms, TikTok’s ‘For You Page’ became its defining feature, captivating users with an endless stream of personalised content.

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By 2018, TikTok had become one of the most downloaded apps globally, surpassing giants like Facebook and Instagram. Its cultural influence exploded, reshaping how content was created and consumed. From viral dance challenges to comedic skits, TikTok carved out a unique space in the digital world, particularly among younger users. However, its meteoric rise also brought scrutiny. Concerns emerged over user data privacy and potential manipulation by its parent company ByteDance, which critics claimed had ties to the Chinese government.

The ‘ban or divest’ saga

The incipit of the current conflict can be traced back to 2020 when then-President Donald Trump attempted to ban TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat, citing fears that Beijing could misuse US data or manipulate public discourse through the platforms. The courts blocked Trump’s effort, and in 2021, President Joe Biden revoked the Trump-era orders, but initiated its review of TikTok’s data practices, keeping the platform under scrutiny. Despite challenges, TikTok continued to grow, surpassing 1 billion active users by 2021. It implemented community guidelines and transparency measures to address content moderation and concerns about misinformation. It also planned to store US user data on Oracle-operated servers to mitigate fears of Chinese government access. However, bipartisan concerns over TikTok’s influence persisted, especially regarding its ties to the Chinese government and the potential data misuse. Lawmakers and US intelligence agencies have long raised alarms about the vast amount of data TikTok collects on its US users and the potential for Beijing to exploit this information for espionage or propaganda. Therefore, last year, Congress passed a bill with overwhelming support requiring ByteDance to divest its US assets, marking the strictest legal threat the platform has ever faced.

The 19 January 2025 deadline and the rumours about Elon Musk’s potential acquisition of TikTok

By 2024, TikTok was at the centre of a geopolitical storm. The US government’s demand for divestment or a ban by 19 January 2025 intensified the platform’s challenges. Amid these disputes, Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has emerged as a potential buyer for TikTok’s US operations. Musk’s ties to US and Chinese markets via Tesla’s Shanghai production hub position him as a unique figure in this debate. If Musk were to acquire TikTok, it could bolster X’s advertising reach and data capabilities, aligning with his broader ambitions in AI and technology. However, such a sale would involve overcoming numerous hurdles, including ByteDance’s valuation of TikTok at $40–50 billion and securing regulatory approvals from both Washington and Beijing. On the other hand, ByteDance, backed by Beijing, is resisting the sale, arguing that the conditioning violates free speech and poses significant logistical hurdles.

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TikTok has attempted to safeguard its US user base of 170 million by planning to allow users to download their data in case the ban takes effect. It has also reassured its 7,000 US employees that their jobs and benefits are secure, even if operations are halted. While new downloads would be prohibited under the ban, existing users could retain access temporarily, although the platform’s functionality would degrade over time.

The looming deadline has sparked a surge in alternative platforms, such as RedNote (known in China as Xiaohongshu), which has seen a significant influx of US users in anticipation of TikTok’s potential exit.

TikTok’s cultural legacy and future

The fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance as President-elect Donald Trump considers an executive order to delay the enforcement of the ‘ban or divest’ law by up to 90 days. The potential extension, supported by figures from both political sides, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Trump’s incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, aims to provide ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, additional time to divest its US operations and avoid a nationwide ban. With over 170 million American users and substantial ad revenue at risk, lawmakers are increasingly wary of the disruption a ban could cause, signalling bipartisan support to keep the app operational while addressing national security concerns. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration further hints at a shift in relations between the platform and the new administration. Meanwhile, the uncertainty has already driven US users to explore alternatives like RedNote as the clock ticks down to the Sunday deadline.

Either way, TikTok’s impact on culture and technology is undeniable. It has redefined digital content creation and inspired competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Yet, its journey highlights the challenges of navigating geopolitical tensions and concerns over data privacy in a hyper-connected world. As the 19 January deadline looms, TikTok stands at a crossroads. Whether it becomes part of Musk’s tech empire, succumbs to a US ban, or finds another path, its legacy as a trailblazer in short-form video content remains secure. The platform’s next chapter, however, hangs in the balance, as these TikTok developments underscore the broader implications of its struggles, including the reshaping of the social media landscape and the role of government intervention in regulating digital platforms.

TikTok users react to looming US Shutdown

Disappointment and confusion swept across TikTok users in the United States as news broke that ByteDance, the app’s Chinese owner, plans to shut down the platform for its 170 million US users by Sunday. The move comes in response to a federal ban requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US assets by January 19 due to national security concerns. While some users hold out hope for a last-minute reprieve, many are preparing for the worst.

Content creators, many of whom have built careers and followings on TikTok, expressed frustration and sadness. Some vowed to boycott rival platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, while others scrambled to save their content. True crime creator Amber Goode, from Colorado, criticised the government for “playing with us,” while other users shared instructions on migrating to alternative platforms, including China-based apps like RedNote.

TikTok has maintained that it does not and would never share US user data with China, arguing that the ban violates First Amendment rights. Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, users attempting to open the app on Sunday will be redirected to a shutdown information page. President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly exploring executive actions to delay the ban, but the outcome remains uncertain.

The shutdown has sparked mixed emotions globally, with some international users relieved that American social media issues may no longer dominate their feeds. However, for US creators like Ishpal Sidhu, who stands to lose her livelihood, the uncertainty has cast a shadow over what was once a thriving platform.

TikTok prepares for possible US shutdown

TikTok is preparing to shut down its US operations on Sunday unless a federal ban is averted at the last minute, according to sources. The ban, stemming from a law signed last April, requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US assets by January 19 or face nationwide restrictions. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on whether to uphold or pause the ban, but no ruling has been made yet.

President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office the day after the ban would take effect, is reportedly considering a temporary suspension of the shutdown. However, legal uncertainty clouds the possibility of such action. Meanwhile, the Biden administration, in its final days, has signalled it will not block the ban without a credible divestment plan from ByteDance. TikTok has argued that the law violates First Amendment rights and warned that a prolonged ban could lead to significant user loss and global disruptions to its services.

If the ban proceeds, TikTok plans to display a pop-up message informing users of the shutdown and allow them to download their data. The app would become largely inoperable as US companies would no longer be permitted to provide critical services for its maintenance. TikTok has emphasised its ability to restore operations quickly if the ban is reversed but warned that the shutdown would impact not just American users but its global platform due to its reliance on US-based infrastructure.

The political and legal standoff has sparked widespread public and corporate reactions. Social media users have expressed disappointment at the impending ban, while TikTok’s US operations, employing over 7,000 workers, hang in the balance. Despite ongoing efforts to delay the enforcement, the platform faces an uncertain future as Sunday’s deadline looms.

TikTok vows to support US employees amid legal uncertainty

TikTok has reassured its 7,000 US employees that their jobs, pay, and benefits will remain secure even if the Supreme Court upholds a law requiring the sale or ban of the platform in the United States. In an internal memo seen by Reuters, the company emphasised its commitment to employee wellbeing and maintaining operations, despite the looming January 19 deadline for the law to take effect.

The law, passed in April, targets the US operations of TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, amid concerns over data security and national security. Although President-elect Donald Trump has called for an extension to seek a ‘political resolution,’ the Supreme Court appears inclined to uphold the legislation. If the court does not intervene, TikTok downloads from app stores will be banned, and the app’s functionality could degrade over time as companies are prohibited from supporting its services.

TikTok’s leadership stated that the law impacts only the US user experience, not the employment of its staff, and reaffirmed its dedication to protecting employees and the platform’s 170 million American users. ‘Our leadership team remains laser-focused on planning for various scenarios and navigating the path forward,’ the memo said.

For now, TikTok’s offices will remain open, and the company continues to explore strategies to adapt to the evolving situation while ensuring continuity for its employees and users.

TikTok prepares to halt operations in the US, The Information reports

TikTok plans to disable its app for all US users on Sunday if the Supreme Court does not block a federal ban, according to a report by The Information. This action would go beyond the law’s requirement, which mandates a ban only on new downloads from Apple and Google app stores while allowing existing users to continue using the app temporarily.

Under TikTok’s plan, users attempting to access the app will be redirected to a website explaining the ban. The company also intends to allow users to download their data for future use. TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have yet to comment on these developments.

The ban stems from a law signed by President Joe Biden in April 2024, requiring ByteDance to sell its US assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. TikTok has challenged the law, arguing that it violates First Amendment protections. In a recent court filing, the company warned that a month-long ban could result in one-third of its 170 million US users leaving the platform permanently.

This potential shutdown reflects the escalating tensions surrounding TikTok’s operations in the United States, as debates over data security and free speech continue.

US users turn to RedNote amid TikTok ban threat

With the potential TikTok ban in the US drawing near, thousands of users are migrating to the Chinese app RedNote, making it the most downloaded app on Apple’s US App Store. Dubbed ‘TikTok refugees,’ these users are rapidly building new communities on the platform, which combines features of TikTok and Instagram to share lifestyle content.

RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, has around 300 million monthly users and is popular among young urban women for sharing tips on fashion, travel, and more. The app has welcomed its new users from the US with open arms, with thousands of posts guiding them on navigating the platform and even learning basic Mandarin phrases.

While TikTok continues to resist demands to sell its US operations, RedNote has seen a surge of interest from users looking to preserve their online presence. Many users, like school canteen worker Sarah Fotheringham and fashion designer Marcus Robinson, say the platform is giving them fresh opportunities to connect and grow their followings.

Despite security concerns surrounding Chinese apps, RedNote’s growing popularity shows that TikTok’s future may face challenges even without a formal ban. Some users report spending more time on RedNote than on TikTok and plan to continue building their presence there regardless of the outcome.

US lawmakers push to delay TikTok ban amid looming deadline

Two Democratic lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden and Congress to extend the looming 19 January deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court recently heard arguments from ByteDance’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, who argued that a sale by next week’s deadline would be impossible and that a ban would effectively shut down TikTok, which has 170 million American users.

Senator Edward Markey announced plans to propose a 270-day extension to the deadline, warning of the ban’s cultural and economic consequences. Markey emphasised that TikTok is a vital platform for social and economic interactions, stating, ‘We cannot allow millions to be silenced.’ Representative Ro Khanna echoed these concerns, urging Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to delay the ban to safeguard free speech and livelihoods tied to the app.

Without intervention, TikTok could face immediate restrictions, including bans on new downloads from app stores and eventual service degradation. While the White House has not commented, Biden retains the authority to extend the deadline if ByteDance demonstrates substantial progress toward divestiture—though meeting that standard appears unlikely.

TikTok’s future in Elon Musk’s hands?

Chinese officials are reportedly considering selling TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter), if the app cannot avoid a looming US ban. According to a Bloomberg report, this move is being discussed as a contingency, although Beijing prefers TikTok to remain under the control of its parent company, ByteDance.

ByteDance, which partially owns TikTok, is under scrutiny due to its ‘golden share’ arrangement with the Chinese government, a setup some US lawmakers claim gives Beijing influence over the platform. While Chinese officials are exploring options, no consensus has been reached on whether a competitive sale or a government-coordinated arrangement would be the path forward.

One potential scenario would see Musk’s platform, X, taking over TikTok’s US operations and running them jointly. However, whether ByteDance, TikTok, or Musk are actively discussing such a deal is unclear. TikTok has consistently maintained that China’s ‘golden share’ does not affect its global operations outside China, including the US.

The uncertainty comes as the US Supreme Court recently leaned toward upholding a law that could either force TikTok’s sale or ban it entirely in the US by 19 January, citing national security concerns over China’s access to user data.

TikTok and Musk have declined to comment on the matter, with a TikTok spokesperson dismissing the reports as ‘pure fiction.’

Meanwhile, Beijing’s deliberations suggest that the app’s future may slip out of ByteDance’s control as concerns over data sovereignty and geopolitical tensions intensify.

Lemon8 gains popularity amid TikTok uncertainty

As the possibility of a US TikTok ban looms, social media influencers are increasingly turning to Lemon8, a new app owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, as a potential alternative. Lemon8, which launched in the US and UK in 2023, combines the best aspects of Instagram and Pinterest, offering a “lifestyle community” with an emphasis on aesthetically pleasing images, videos, and lifestyle topics like beauty, fashion, food, travel, and pets. With over 1 million daily active users in the US, it has quickly gained traction, especially among Gen Z users.

Influencers are particularly drawn to Lemon8’s integration with TikTok, allowing creators to easily cross-post and boost engagement. Despite the platform’s appeal, however, Lemon8’s future remains uncertain. Like TikTok, it is owned by ByteDance, making it potentially subject to the same US regulations, including a law requiring the company to divest from TikTok or face a ban. This uncertainty is causing anxiety among creators who fear the loss of their primary platform and are seeking safer options like Lemon8.

The app itself is gaining attention for its simplicity and visual appeal. Lemon8 stands out by offering a quieter, less chaotic environment compared to the bustling, ad-heavy content on Instagram and TikTok. Its user interface is designed for easy scrolling, and the app encourages creativity through tools that enhance text, stickers, and music, making posts feel inspirational. While it’s still early days, Lemon8 offers a nostalgic, aesthetically curated space for users who may be growing weary of the larger social media giants.

Though the app is still new, it could provide a refreshing change from the current social media landscape, where content can often feel oversaturated or too commercialised. For now, Lemon8 offers a simpler, more intentional way to engage with online content—a return to a more “authentic” era of social media, reminiscent of earlier Instagram days. Whether it will succeed in the long term remains to be seen, but for now, it’s carving out a niche for users seeking a quieter digital space.

Supreme Court weighs TikTok ban amid national security concerns

The US Supreme Court on Friday appeared inclined to uphold a law requiring a sale or ban of TikTok in the United States by January 19, citing national security risks tied to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Justices questioned TikTok’s potential role in enabling the Chinese government to collect data on its 170 million American users and influence public opinion covertly. Chief Justice John Roberts and others expressed concerns about China’s potential to exploit the platform, while also probing implications for free speech protections under the First Amendment.

The law, passed with bipartisan support and signed by outgoing President Joe Biden, has been challenged by TikTok, ByteDance, and app users who argue it infringes on free speech. TikTok’s lawyer, Noel Francisco, warned that without a resolution or extension by President-elect Donald Trump, the platform would likely shut down on January 19. Francisco emphasised TikTok’s role as a key platform for expression and called for at least a temporary halt to the law.

Liberal and conservative justices alike acknowledged the tension between national security and constitutional rights. Justice Elena Kagan raised historical parallels to Cold War-era restrictions, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh highlighted the long-term risks of data collection. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, representing the Biden administration, argued that TikTok’s foreign ownership poses a grave threat, enabling covert manipulation and espionage. She defended Congress’s right to act in the interest of national security.

With global trade tensions and fears of digital surveillance mounting, the Supreme Court’s decision will have wide-ranging implications for technology, free speech, and US-China relations. The court is now considering whether to grant a temporary stay, providing Trump’s incoming administration an opportunity to address the issue politically.