Popular video-sharing platform preparing to go fully dark in the US from Sunday, reports say.
TikTok is planning to go fully dark in the United States if an expected ban takes effect on Sunday, media outlets have reported.
The popular video-sharing platform is preparing to completely shut down operations, instead of continuing the service for existing users, The Information and the Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Under the scheduled ban, existing users would be legally able to continue using TikTok, but the app would become unusable over time as app stores and internet hosting services would be prohibited from providing updates.
Barring a last-minute reprieve, TikTok users will encounter a message redirecting them to a statement about the ban and options for downloading their personal data, the reports said.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden signed the related Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in April, granting Chinese parent company ByteDance 270 days to sell the platform or see it banned.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew suggested the company will continue its efforts to ensure the app remains accessible for Americans — potentially now with an assist from President-elect Trump.The TikTok CEO is set to be seated on the dais, alongside other leading tech CEOs, at Trump’s inauguration — perhaps a sign of just how serious the incoming president is about trying to save the app.
The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump was considering issuing an executive order to suspend the ban for 60 to 90 days in order to buy time to negotiate a sale or an alternative arrangement.