TikTok Ban Looms: What You Need to Know Before January 19, 2025
TikTok’s future in the U.S. hangs in the balance as a Supreme Court decision could force the app’s ban or sale within days. With over 170 million American users, the stakes are high. Here’s what the impending TikTok ban entails and how it could impact users.
The Background: A Ban Rooted in National Security Concerns
In 2023, President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban. The law cites concerns over national security, with fears that user data could be accessible to the Chinese government.
The Supreme Court heard arguments on January 12, deliberating whether the ban infringes on First Amendment rights. If upheld, the ban will take effect on January 19, 2025.
How the Ban Will Affect TikTok Users
If the ban proceeds, Apple and Google must remove TikTok from their app stores. This means:
- New users won’t be able to download the app.
- Existing users can access the app, but no updates will be available.
- Over time, the app will degrade and become less secure.
TikTok’s website could also become inaccessible via U.S.-based internet hosting services. Without updates, vulnerabilities may expose users to security risks, making the app a potential target for cyberattacks.
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Exploring Workarounds: Are VPNs a Solution?
Many users are considering virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions. However, VPNs might not fully resolve the issue. Dan York, a senior advisor at the Internet Society, warns that popular VPNs could be blocked, and connections may become unreliable. He also advises caution when choosing a VPN, as malicious providers might exploit first-time users.
Potential Buyers for TikTok’s U.S. Operations
Project Liberty, led by billionaire Frank McCourt, has made an offer to purchase TikTok’s U.S. assets. The bid, supported by up to $20 billion in funding, excludes the app’s algorithm, which China considers intellectual property.
This sale could prevent a ban while addressing national security concerns. However, as of now, no agreement has been finalized.
Key Takeaways
The TikTok ban could drastically change how users access the platform:
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- New downloads will cease.
- The app’s functionality will decline without updates.
- Security risks will grow, prompting experts to recommend deleting the app.
The Supreme Court’s decision remains pivotal. It could enforce the ban, delay it, or provide a legal resolution. In the meantime, TikTok users and content creators should prepare for potential disruptions and consider alternatives.
More…
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2025/01/13/tiktok-fate-one-week-ban/77670356007
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/01/13/tiktok-ban-why-you-should-delete-your-iphone-android-app-next-week
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tiktok-ban-lemon8-app-bytedance-b2678715.html
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