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TikTok has warned that it will become inaccessible in the United States this Sunday, 19 January, if the administration of President Joe Biden does not provide companies such as Apple and Google with clear guarantees of protection from sanctions after the ban comes into force. This was reported by the BBC.
The announcement came shortly after the US Supreme Court upheld a law that bans TikTok from the country for national security reasons unless the Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its US assets.
TikTok’s position and risks to freedom of speech
TikTok has stated that the ban undermines the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech. Representatives of the platform emphasise that the threat applies not only to them and their users, but also to all Americans.
“If the Biden administration does not immediately provide an official statement that satisfies key service providers and assures them of no sanctions, TikTok will be forced to cease operations in the US on 19 January,” the company said.
Biden administration’s steps and Trump’s reaction
The White House has so far refrained from commenting. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s decision leaves the platform with its 170 million US users in a state of uncertainty.
Former President Donald Trump, who will take office on 22 January, has said he is ready to “save” TikTok. During his previous presidential term, Trump initiated an attempt to ban the platform, but now he said he has a “special place in his heart” for TikTok as the app helped him win the favour of young voters in the 2024 elections.
“This issue can be resolved politically, and I’m willing to find a compromise to avoid escalation,” Trump said.
What’s next?
Donald Trump has already asked the Supreme Court to delay the implementation of the law so that his administration can find a political solution to the situation. However, many Republicans remain in favour of the ban.
TikTok CEO Shou Zhu plans to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, where he will be among other high-profile guests.
