TikTok is set to shut down for U.S. users on Sunday, January 19, the same day a law banning the popular app in the United States goes into effect, according to multiple reports.
The shutdown goes beyond the scope of the law, which was signed by President Biden last April. The law prohibits new downloads of TikTok from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, as well as making it illegal to update the app. While the law allows existing users to keep TikTok on their devices, they would no longer receive updates. However, TikTok plans to take the extra step of completely discontinuing the app in the United States, The Information reported late Tuesday, with Reuters confirming the move Wednesday morning.
On Sunday, TikTok will direct users to a page outlining the ban and provide an option to download their data.
The law, which requires ByteDance (the Chinese parent company of TikTok) to sell its U.S. operations in order to continue operating in the country, reflects concerns from U.S. lawmakers about the app’s potential use as spyware for the Chinese government. Under Chinese law, ByteDance is required to share user data with the government if requested.
In the lead-up to the ban, two Chinese social media apps, Xiaohongshu and Lemon8 (also owned by ByteDance), have surged to the top of the Apple App Store, as ByteDance diversifies its presence in the U.S. market.
The threat of a TikTok ban has been a point of contention for several years. Former President Donald Trump initially sought to remove TikTok during his first term, and in 2023, Congress passed the law that officially mandates the ban. Despite his earlier support for the ban, Trump has since reversed his stance, stating he would prefer to “save” TikTok in the U.S., citing its role in encouraging young voters to support him. In December, Trump reiterated his desire to keep TikTok, saying he had a “warm spot” for the app.
As the ban date approaches, the Supreme Court is currently reviewing TikTok’s appeal to overturn the law, but it is unlikely that a decision will be reached before Sunday.
