Apple and Google removed TikTok from their app stores on Saturday night, complying with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The law, upheld unanimously by the Supreme Court on Friday, requires ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a U.S. ban.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The app’s removal means U.S. users can no longer download TikTok, and the platform has ceased operations within the country. Users attempting to access the app were greeted with messages such as “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” ByteDance’s other platform, Lemon8, also halted its U.S. service.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew criticized the decision, arguing that the app serves over 7 million U.S. businesses and represents a First Amendment issue. Chew expressed hope for support from President-elect Donald Trump, who previously requested a delay in enforcing the law to explore political solutions. Trump has indicated he may grant a 90-day extension to address the matter and is expected to make a formal announcement soon.
Meanwhile, bids for TikTok’s U.S. operations have emerged. AI startup Perplexity AI and Frank McCourt’s advocacy group, Project Liberty, have submitted proposals to acquire TikTok, with McCourt stating his bid meets the Supreme Court’s criteria for disentangling the app from Chinese algorithms.
The White House downplayed TikTok’s announcement, calling it a “stunt” and deferring further actions to the incoming administration. As the future of TikTok in the U.S. hangs in the balance, Trump’s final decision is anticipated in the coming days.
