As per a report, the video platform, TikTok is preparing to cease operations for its U.S. users starting Sunday as a conditional federal ban comes into effect. The decision follows a law signed by U.S. President Joe Biden in April 2024, mandating the sale of TikTok by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or the app would face a nationwide ban.
If the shutdown proceeds, users in the U.S. may lose the ability to download the app, while those who already have it installed could continue using it temporarily. TikTok reportedly plans to implement a system where users attempting to open the app will encounter a pop-up message redirecting them to a website with detailed information about the ban.
In an effort to assist users, TikTok also plans to provide an option for downloading personal data, allowing individuals to retain records of their information. This measure aims to mitigate the impact on users as the ban takes effect.
The company has pushed for a delay in implementing the law, arguing that it infringes upon the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against government restrictions on free speech. In a court filing, TikTok claimed that a prolonged ban could lead to a significant drop in usage, estimating that one-third of the 170 million U.S. based users might stop using the app if the restriction extends beyond a month.
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