TikTok, the famed short-video platform, abruptly went offline in the United States. A law banning the app’s usage had been put into effect, resulting in millions being unable to access the platform. As confirmed, the app is no longer available on either Apple or Google Play app stores.
The company hinted that the ban might only be ephemeral. TikTok expressed hope in Donald Trump’s prospective cooperative approach towards finding a solution that guarantees its reinstatement in the future.
A significant transition was noticeable last week. Rumour had it that unless the Biden administration took definitive action against enforcing the ban, the app would go dark.
The US legislature passed a law in April 2021 that required TikTok’s owner ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban in the United States. The move was heavily driven by concerns about potential Chinese surveillance. Trump had, however, recently shown a softer attitude in dealing with the ban.
As of now, the Supreme Court has issued a ruling supporting the enforcement of the law. Hence, the app’s fate is being left to the next administration. The Biden administration has yet to make a definitive statement, a move TikTok said is critical to continue its operation or listing in the United States.
Regardless of the political tussle, TikTok is currently inaccessible. As for its future, Trump has expressed eagerness to negotiate a deal resulting in either selling or obtaining concessions from ByteDance.
A variety of suitors, drawn by its 170 million users, are eyeing to acquire TikTok. In spite of the current suspension, ByteDance has remained optimistic about its future under Trump’s administration.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
