In this file photo taken on April 13, 2020, the social media application logo, TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone, in Arlington, Virginia. Olivier Douliery, AFP/File

In this file photo taken on April 13, 2020, the social media application logo, TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone, in Arlington, Virginia. TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer said on August 26, 2020 he has quit the company as tensions soar between Washington and Beijing over the Chinese-owned video platform. Mayer's resignation comes days after TikTok filed a lawsuit challenging a crackdown by the US government over claims the wildly popular social media app can be used to spy on Americans.  Olivier Douliery, AFP

TikTok

Agence France-Presse

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173695665878320200313-tiktok-logo-AFP-.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="In this file photo taken on April 13, 2020, the social media application logo, TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone, in Arlington, Virginia. Olivier Douliery, AFP/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">In this file photo taken on April 13, 2020, the social media application logo, TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone, in Arlington, Virginia. <em>Olivier Douliery, AFP/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>WASHINGTON -- Social media giant TikTok plans to completely shut down its operations in the United States this Sunday if a ban ordered by legislators goes through as planned, a report said.</p><p>The platform, which counts over 170 million American users, will implement an immediate blackout rather than allowing existing users continued access as had been expected, according to sources who spoke to The Information.</p><p>The apparent shutdown comes as TikTok faces a January 19 legislative deadline to sever ties with its Chinese parent company ByteDance or cease US operations.</p><p>While the law only requires app stores to remove TikTok and cloud providers to stop hosting US user data, the company will opt for a full suspension of service, The Information said.</p><p>Users attempting to open the app after the deadline will encounter a message redirecting them to a statement about the federally mandated ban, along with options to download their personal data, the report said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/technology/2025/1/15/from-ban-to-buyout-what-next-for-tiktok-in-the-us-1139">READ: From ban to buyout: What next for TikTok in the US?</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/technology/2025/1/15/over-half-a-million-tiktok-refugees-flock-to-china-s-rednote-1226">READ: Over half a million ‘TikTok refugees’ flock to China&#x27;s RedNote</a></div><p>TikTok&#x27;s reported plan would follow skeptical questioning from Supreme Court justices during oral arguments last Friday, suggesting they would uphold the ban.</p><p>The company has challenged the law on First Amendment grounds, which protect freedom of speech.</p><p>The shutdown would coincide with the US presidential transition, as Donald Trump, who has expressed opposition to the ban, takes office Monday.</p><p>ByteDance has so far refused to sell TikTok&#x27;s US operations, though analysts say this position could shift as the reality of a forced market exit looms.</p><p>In an internal email obtained by The Verge on Tuesday, TikTok assured its US employees that their &quot;employment, pay, and benefits are secure&quot; and offices will remain open even if the situation remains unresolved by Sunday&#x27;s deadline.</p><p>The company told staff it was &quot;planning for various scenarios.&quot;</p><p>TikTok declined to comment when contacted by AFP.</p><div><strong>© Agence France-Presse</strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABTGevi1i2dMRdmG&amp;activation=click&amp;vip_mode=playing&amp;vip_position=bottom-right"></script>

<p>Social media giant TikTok plans to completely shut down its operations in the United States this Sunday if a ban ordered by legislators goes through as planned, a report said.</p>

Social media giant TikTok plans to completely shut down its operations in the United States this Sunday if a ban ordered by legislators goes through as planned, a report said.

TikTok plans total US shutdown as ban deadline looms: report | ABS-CBN

Entertainment

News

Metro.Style

Sports

More

Technology

TikTok plans total US shutdown as ban deadline looms: report

TikTok plans total US shutdown as ban deadline looms: report

Agence France-Presse

Published Jan 16, 2025 01:43 AM PHT

Read More:

absnews

TikTok

ByteDance

social media

China

United States

RedNote

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Advertise with Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.