TikTok Goes Dark in US, Affecting 170 Million Users; Trump Considers 90-Day Extension

Jan 19, 2025, 04:09 AM

TikTok has ceased operations in the United States, affecting its 170 million users, as a federal ban on the app took effect. The shutdown was announced through a pop-up message on the app, informing users that a law banning TikTok had been enacted and that the service would be temporarily unavailable. The app has also been removed from Apple and Google app stores in the U.S. The ban stems from a law requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the platform or face a ban. President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he may grant TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid the ban once he takes office on Monday.