TikTok Reportedly Plans U.S. Cut-Off After Ban

TikTok is reportedly preparing to shut down access for all U.S. users as early as next week if a contentious sell-off bill goes into effect. According to an article published by The Information, the app could be fully disabled in the region if (and when) the ban officially goes through alongside the app being desisted – meaning that new users won’t be ale to download it, but also preventing existing users from getting any functionality out of the platform.

Ordinarily, a simple delisting would allow the app to function at a basic level until all servers and features were removed, which would render the app unusable. However, ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, appears poised to take more decisive action, potentially locking out American users immediately upon the bill’s enactment. TikTok also plans to allow users to download their data before access is restricted, but users may not be able to access anything past a login screen or warning message on the bill is passed.

The app’s fate may still hinge on several factors. TikTok has appealed the bill on constitutional grounds, with a Supreme Court decision expected soon. Alternatively, government intervention or a negotiated takeover by a U.S.-based entity could provide a last-minute reprieve.

Speculation has surfaced regarding potential buyers, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, due to his ties to Chinese production. However, no official moves in this direction have been confirmed. While TikTok is reportedly preparing contingencies to restore access should circumstances change, there is a good chance that the U.S. will simply be completely cut off from accessing TikTok if the ban goes through. The only exception may be VPN software, but even then, the platform may immediately ban any U.S. based users signing up.