TikTok Banned, Down And Up Again
Image Source: ABC7
TikTok influencers in the United States experienced a whirlwind weekend on the app. In light of security concerns connected to Bytedance’s ownership of the platform, the Supreme Court with bipartisan support opted to keep the ban in place. The ban gave TikTok until January 19 to divest itself of its parent company, which the United States believes is spying on American citizens through the social media app.
As a result, the app went dark a few hours before January 19. Those who attempted to use the app or even browse the website in the U.S. were met with this message, “Sorry TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok right now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
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Image Source: MSN
Outgoing President Joe Biden signed the Supreme Court ruling into law but declined to enforce it with the upcoming change in administration. President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of the ban during his first term, changed his mind and campaigned against the ban. Despite Bytedance’s failure to even look for a buyer, President Trump promised to grant a 90-day extension on his first day in office. As a result, TikTok was back up and running a few hours after going dark. The new message read, “Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! You can continue to create, share, and discover all the things you love on TikTok.”
Influencers rejoiced at the news as many of them make a living off of the platform. However, it’s unclear whether the president’s executive order can change the law. At the end of the 90 days, the ban will expire unless TikTok divests itself of Bytedance. TikTok is arguing that the ban tramples on First Amendment rights but the Supreme Court countered that the social media platform has a path to staying if they separate from Bytedance.
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