TikTok Banned in US, Trump May Grant 90-Day Reprieve
In a sudden move, TikTok went offline in the US hours before a new law banning the app was set to take effect, citing concerns over the platform's ties to the Chinese government. However, President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he will likely grant TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid the ban, allowing the company time to sell its US operations to a non-Chinese buyer.
The ban on TikTok has been a topic of controversy, with the company arguing that it violates free speech protections for its 170 million US users. The app's chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, has appealed to Trump, thanking him for his commitment to finding a solution. Content creators have expressed frustration and disappointment over the ban, stating that they will lose significant income. The removal of the app from US app stores and the shutdown of its website has left users scrambling for alternative solutions, with some considering the use of VPNs to access the app.
However, experts warn that using VPNs may not be a long-term solution, as it can only delay the app's demise due to limited website version and lack of future software updates. Existing users may still access the app with a VPN, but it will degrade over time due to lack of tech support and software updates, with major compromises including consistent security flaws, missing features, and reliance on outdated app versions. The Supreme Court has upheld the law banning TikTok, and the company's future remains uncertain, with its acquisition deal offered by Microsoft picked apart by ByteDance investors.
As the situation unfolds, TikTok's fate hangs in the balance, with Trump's possible announcement of the extension expected on Monday. The company's millions of US users wait with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to continue using the app they have grown to love. With the clock ticking, it remains to be seen whether a buyer can be found within the next few days, or if TikTok will indeed go dark for good.
