Social media platform TikTok plans to completely halt its operations in the United States this Sunday if a ban imposed by legislators proceeds, according to a report from The Information.
With over 170 million American users, TikTok will implement an immediate blackout, preventing user access. This contrasts with earlier expectations of limited functionality after the legislative deadline.
The January 19 deadline requires TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or cease operations in the US. Despite the law only mandating app removal from stores and halting cloud hosting, TikTok has opted for a total service suspension.
Users opening the app after the deadline will see a message explaining the federal ban and offering options to download personal data.
The shutdown coincides with the presidential transition, as Donald Trump, who opposes the ban, assumes office Monday. TikTok has challenged the law on First Amendment grounds, citing freedom of speech protections.
ByteDance has resisted selling TikTok’s US operations but may reconsider as a market exit looms.
Meanwhile, TikTok assured its US staff via email that their employment and benefits remain secure.
The company declined to comment when approached by AFP.
