Title: When Does the TikTok Ban Kick Off in the U.S.? Early Lockouts Spark Confusion
After months of uncertainty, TikTok is set to face a ban beginning January 19. If you're one of the 170 million TikTok users in the United States, you might be wondering when the ban will take effect and if the app will still be accessible on that day.
On January 15, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a law mandating that TikTok separates from its parent company, ByteDance, or face removal from US app stores and hosting services starting from January 19. Service providers such as Apple, Google, and Oracle could face penalties for not complying with this law.
TikTok has issued a warning that it will shut down on January 19 unless the Biden administration provides clear assurances to Apple, Google, and other service providers. In a statement released on January 17, TikTok stated, "Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19."
President-elect Donald Trump, who initially called for a ban in 2020 due to national security concerns, commented on Truth Social that the court's decision was "expected" and his "decision on the app will be made in the not too distant future," but he also needs time to review the situation.
With the ban scheduled to take effect tomorrow, here's what you need to know:
When Will the TikTok Ban Take Effect?
The TikTok ban is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on January 19 for US users. However, it appears that the app may have ceased operations earlier than expected. On January 18 at approximately 10:30 p.m. ET, many US users were logged out of the app and received a message stating, "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!"
What Could Users See When They Open TikTok During the Ban?
TikTok users in the US who attempt to open the app on January 19 may see a pop-up message directing them to a website providing details about the ban. The app might also offer users the option to download their data, allowing them to save a record of their personal information before the ban takes effect.
Could Service Providers Face Penalties For Allowing TikTok Access After the Ban?
An administration official has revealed that President Joe Biden would not enforce the ban against app stores or internet providers, leaving the matter to the incoming administration. However, violating the law could result in $5,000 fines for each user allowed to access TikTok, which could amount to significant fines considering the app's popularity.
Sources indicate that TikTok may be considering a workaround by relocating its servers to other countries, which could potentially allow users in the US to still access the app. This move would likely attract regulatory scrutiny and legal action, with service providers facing potential penalties for not complying with the ban.
In conclusion, the TikTok ban is set to take effect on January 19, and users may lose access to the app unless the Biden administration provides clear assurances to service providers. Service providers that choose to violate the law could face significant legal and financial consequences, including fines and potential regulatory scrutiny.
After the Supreme Court's decision on January 15, many TikTok users in the U.S. are curious about when exactly the app will be banned. As stated in the text, the TikTok ban is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on January 19. However, the app seems to have stopped functioning earlier for some users, with a message announcing the law ban and directing them to a website for more information.
In light of the potential penalties, service providers like Apple, Google, and Oracle are carefully considering their actions. If they allow TikTok access after the ban, they could face fines of up to $5,000 per user, which could add up to a significant amount given the app's popularity. While TikTok is contemplating moving its servers to other countries as a possible workaround, this move would likely spark regulatory scrutiny and further legal action.
