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The TikTok app has been taken down from app stores in the United States, and the application is no longer available for download. TikTok users who had previously downloaded the app will also not be able to use it as its parent company, ByteDance, halted services for US users today.
The phenomenon, which is being referred to as TikTok ‘goes dark’, has now seen TikTok US users essentially booted from the TikTok app. Over 170 million American TikTok users are now stranded, without access to a service that many relied on not only for entertainment and content creation but also their livelihoods.
The ban on TikTok, which was to take effect on 20th Jan, has been prematurely effected by the company, which chose not to wait for the deadline to lapse. The shutdown follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding the ban.
Bytedance shared frustration that they were essentially being booted from the US over ‘unquantified’ security concerns. The company had until Sunday to sell the app’s US operation or effectively be kicked out of the United States.
TikTok App Defaced as US Ban Takes Effect
To take down the TikTok app in the US, ByteDance has essentially defaced the app for 170m users, whose TikTok ‘For You’ and home screens are now showing a message saying, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The message goes on to share some optimism, however, saying, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!” The message is followed by two buttons: ‘Learn More’ and ‘Close App’.
How to Still Access TikTok Despite the Ban
To still get access to TikTok despite the ban, American users of the popular app can install a proven VPN and create a virtual network on their devices that shows a different location. Credible VPNs such as NordVPN or SurfShark VPN have been thoroughly tested over the years, and are among the best options to help deal with the current stalemate.
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Alternatively, users can opt to go for an eSIM, which is a virtual SIM card on which they can activate roaming on. When coupled with a VPN, a credible e-SIM service, such as Saily e-SIM, can be effective in granting access to geo-locked websites.
What Options Does TikTok Have to Resume Operations in the US?
To resume operations in the United States, #TikTok are betting on Trump’s presidency to “work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office”. Trump, who’ll take office tomorrow, shared that in his recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders discussed TikTok.
Analysts say that Trump and Xi could come into some sort of trade agreement, and part of that plan would include a solution for TikTok.
Bytedance had been given an ultimatum until Sunday to sell the company, but didn’t and hence the ban. Trump’s team has, however, shared that they are considering extending the compliance period for another 90 days, to give the company more time to consider its options.
Will Elon Musk Buy TikTok?
Bytedance also denied rumors that the Chinese government were considering sale of the app to billionaire Elon Musk, as he’s allegedly seen as a trusted American businessman by China. The company, however, dismissed the rumors.
Until now, Bytedance has refused any and all offers to sell off TikTok’s US operations, choosing to fight it out in court instead.
