TikTok users across the United States were unable to access the platform on Sunday, just hours before a new law banning the app was set to take effect.
Users attempting to log in were met with a message stating, “You can’t use TikTok for now,” and expressing optimism about collaborating with President-elect Donald Trump to “reinstate TikTok” once he assumes office on Monday.
The ban follows a Supreme Court decision upholding legislation that required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform by Sunday. ByteDance has refused to comply, arguing that the mandate violates free speech protections for the app’s 170 million US users.
President-elect Trump hinted at a potential 90-day reprieve to allow for further negotiations. “The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump stated on Saturday.
The White House clarified that the decision to enforce the ban ultimately rests with the incoming administration. Current press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remarked, “There is no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday.”
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew expressed gratitude to Trump for his willingness to find a resolution. “We appreciate his commitment to work with us,” Chew said. He is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
The ban has left TikTok creators grappling with its impact. Influencer Nicole Bloomgarden highlighted the effect on her earnings, while Erika Thompson, another prominent user, lamented the loss of educational content for the platform’s community.
TikTok has since been removed from Apple and Google’s US app stores, and its website no longer displays videos. However, the company reassured users, stating, “We are working to restore our service in the US as soon as possible.”
The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue.
