Tricked by TikTok

Photo from pinterest.com

Well, the infamous TikTok ban that many were anticipating finally happened this past weekend. To commemorate the app, many content creators posted their oldest or first viral videos while others posted their favorite flashback trends. Some influencers even shared their deepest secrets while mentally preparing to lose their accounts indefinitely. Regardless of beliefs that the ban was not going to happen, everyone was ready for the possibility that the end of TikTok was approaching. 

On Jan. 18, less than two hours before midnight, the app stopped working. Less than a day later, it was back up.

Why ban TikTok?

This may not be the first time you have heard of a potential TikTok ban. CBS News states that U.S. officials and lawmakers have been aware of the app’s threat to national security due to its ties to China. Concerns include lack of privacy since the Chinese government can spy on the digital activity of its users, which includes text messages and location. 

Last year Congress pushed TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its stake in the app or “be cut off from the U.S. market,” a law with a deadline of Jan. 19. As the date quickly approached no sale was in sight. TikTok’s final efforts to save themselves were proven unsuccessful when the Supreme Court ruled that the law did not violate the First Amendment.

The ban

According to CNN, the TikTok ban affected 170 million Americans who engage with the popular video platform. When users would attempt to open the app, a message was displayed on the screen that explained the app was temporarily down but the soon-to-be President Trump was making efforts to restore it. Users were then prompted to either “learn more” or close the app. 

A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.

-TikTok’s message to its users on the app, Jan. 18.

The message displayed on the screen also indicated that Donald Trump, who was to be inaugurated as president two days later, was working with TikTok to reinstate the app once he assumed office.

Saved overnight

After a short ban of less than 24 hours, TikTok started working again and was ready for its users to continue creating and sharing content. How did this happen so quickly?

Before the ban, there was talk of a possible buyout from public figures such as Elon Musk and millionaire YouTuber MrBeast. However, there has been no announcement of an official buyout. According to PBS News, Trump signed an executive order granting a 75 day extension of the law’s deadline. 

The delay has now given ByteDance more time to find a U.S. buyer, although CNN has reported that the company has rejected buyers in an attempt to maintain ownership. Reports also mention that the White House called TikTok’s warnings of a ban a “stunt” since action was not necessary before Trump’s presidential duties began.

Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S!

-TikTok’s message to its users on the app, Jan.19.

Photo from pinterest.com
What’s next

With a temporary solution in place, the debate that persists is whether TikTok will still ultimately shut down. NBC states that the company is “seeking avenues forward” to allow Americans to continue engaging with the popular media app. States such as Illinois have taken steps to prevent access to the app regardless of its future, yet some have already faced legal action. Unless TikTok can acquire a U.S. buyer in the upcoming months, the app’s future remains uncertain. 

Stay up to date with VALLEY on Instagram @VALLEYmag .  

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