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TikTok Prepares for U.S. Shutdown on Sunday

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TikTok is set to halt its U.S. operations this Sunday as a federal ban is scheduled to take effect unless a last-minute intervention occurs, sources familiar with the matter revealed. The app, used by 170 million Americans, faces closure unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests its U.S. operations.

Reports suggest that President-elect Donald Trump is contemplating an executive order to delay the ban by 60 to 90 days, though the legality of such an action remains unclear. The law, signed in April, mandates restrictions on new TikTok downloads from Apple and Google app stores unless ByteDance sells its U.S. division. Additionally, U.S. companies will be prohibited from providing services that support the platform’s distribution and maintenance.

The Trump transition team has yet to comment, but incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz expressed optimism about preserving TikTok while safeguarding user data. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that TikTok’s CEO has been invited to Trump’s inauguration and offered a position of honor.

The Biden administration has not indicated any plans to intervene before leaving office. A White House official stated that President Biden cannot act without a credible divestment proposal from ByteDance. However, reports suggest the administration is exploring ways to keep the platform operational beyond Sunday, potentially deferring the decision to the incoming president.

In Congress, Senator Ed Markey proposed extending ByteDance’s deadline to sell TikTok by 270 days, but Senator Tom Cotton blocked the motion. If the ban proceeds, TikTok users attempting to access the app will receive a message directing them to a website with details about the shutdown. TikTok also plans to offer users the ability to download their data.

A Supreme Court ruling is pending on whether the law will be upheld, overturned, or temporarily paused. TikTok has warned that shutting down U.S. operations could impact global users, as many of its service providers are based in the United States. The company argues that the ban violates First Amendment rights and has requested a delay in enforcement. If the shutdown occurs, TikTok service providers may cease support, but sources suggest the platform could be restored quickly if the ban is lifted.

Neither TikTok nor ByteDance has responded to requests for comment. The Information first reported the potential shutdown, while industry analysts speculate on the broader implications of the ban. ByteDance, which is 60% owned by institutional investors, employs over 7,000 people in the U.S.

With the deadline approaching, TikTok and its users await the Supreme Court’s decision and the incoming administration’s response, which could determine the future of the popular social media platform in the United States.

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    TikTok Prepares for U.S. Shutdown on Sunday