TikTok has confirmed that it will shut down in the United States on January 19, 2025, unless the U.S. Supreme Court intervenes to block or delay a government-imposed ban.
The announcement came in a legal filing on December 9, where TikTok warned that without relief, it would be forced to end operations, impacting its 170 million American users.
The controversy stems from a 2024 law signed by President Joe Biden, which mandates that TikTok be removed from U.S. app stores.
Additionally, internet providers across the country will be required to prevent access to the app unless Chinese parent company ByteDance sells its U.S. operations to an American firm by the deadline.
This legislation, driven by concerns about national security and allegations of potential Chinese government surveillance, has led to significant debate.
TikTok is fighting back, filing an emergency motion to halt the ban, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and could cause substantial financial losses.
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The legal battle is ongoing, with the Supreme Court set to hear oral arguments on January 10, determining whether the law will stand.
In the meantime, several high-profile entrepreneurs have expressed interest in buying TikTok’s U.S. assets. One notable figure is investor Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on Shark Tank.
O’Leary sees the acquisition as more than a business move—it’s about safeguarding the privacy of millions of American users and ensuring a more people-centric platform.
“It’s about protecting creators, small businesses, and building a platform focused on people, not algorithms,” O’Leary said in a January 6 post.
However, O’Leary’s efforts could require support from political figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, to secure a deal.
“We’re going to need their help to make this happen,” he added, signalling that a resolution to the crisis could hinge on political maneuvering in the months to come.