TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, has issued a warning that it will block access to its platform for over 170 million Americans on Sunday unless the Biden administration intervenes to prevent a looming ban. This decision comes after the Supreme Court upheld a controversial ban that was signed into law by President Biden in April.
The law mandates that TikTok must be sold to American buyers by Sunday or face a ban in the United States. Despite signals from the Biden administration that enforcement of the ban would be left to President-elect Donald Trump, TikTok expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity and assurance provided by the government.
In a statement, TikTok stated, 'Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19.'
President Trump, who had sought a stay on the ban to facilitate negotiations for the sale of TikTok to American buyers, did not receive support from the Supreme Court. The Court rejected an appeal from TikTok's owners, allowing the ban to proceed.
As a result, TikTok faces the possibility of shutting down on Sunday, with the potential for a reactivation in the future if assurances are given that it will not be penalized for violating the ban.
