TikTok Ban Re-emerges in the USA? Everything You Need to Know

In this article, you'll find everything you need to know about the TikTok ban in the USA. Current developments, potential outcomes, and what it means for users, businesses, and the tech industry.
TikTok ban
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ARE YOU READY TO SKYROCKET YOUR

BUSINESS GROWTH?

So many questions arising concerning the TikTok ban in the USA. What is the fate of TikTok?

A law that took effect on Sunday required ByteDance to sever ties with TikTok’s U.S. operations due to national security concerns. The legislation allows the sitting president to grant a 90-day extension if a credible sale is in progress.

ByteDance

While investors submitted proposals, ByteDance has stated it will not sell. President Trump announced that his order would “extend the period before the law’s restrictions are enforced” and ensure “no liability for companies that helped keep TikTok operational before my order.”

However, the legal standing of Trump’s proposed action is unclear. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the ban on Friday, and the law went into effect a day before Trump’s return to the White House. Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican who authored the bill, asserted on Fox News Sunday that “there is no extension” for TikTok.

“As the bill’s author, I can confirm the extension applied only within the 270-day period, which ended at 12:01 a.m. this morning,” Gallagher said. He added that only if the president certifies the existence of “legally binding documents” indicating an imminent divestiture could an extension be granted.

University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias noted, “Trump could argue that the language of the law is meant to apply to any president.”

Some lawmakers, including Republicans who supported the sale-or-ban measure, continue to advocate for it. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas warned companies on Sunday not to provide TikTok with technical assistance.

tiktok ban screenshot

TikTok resumed service to U.S. users on Sunday, just hours after the popular video-sharing app went offline following a federal ban. President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order on his first day in office to delay the ban, providing TikTok’s China-based parent company additional time to secure an approved buyer.

Trump shared the update on his Truth Social account, as millions of U.S. users woke up to find they were temporarily unable to access the TikTok app or platform.

The app was removed late Saturday from prominent app stores and remained so as of Sunday afternoon. Apple told customers it also took down other apps developed by ByteDance. They included Lemon8, which some influencers had promoted as a TikTok alternative, the popular video editing app CapCut, and photo editor Hypic.

So, what happens next? The bill now goes to the Senate where its fate is unclear. Even if passed, a legal battle is likely as experts believe banning a social media platform for national security reasons must be based on a significant threat.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key points:

  • Impact on Users: In the short term, no changes are expected. A ban would make it difficult to download updates and eventually render the app unusable.
  • Legal Challenges: A legal battle is expected with TikTok likely arguing a ban violates free speech rights.
  • National Security Concerns: Lawmakers fear China could use TikTok for spying or propaganda.
  • TikTok’s Response: The company denies these claims and insists it stores US user data outside of China.

Whether the Senate passes the bill and TikTok faces a ban remains to be seen. This is a developing situation and we’ll continue to provide updates as they become available.

Impact of the TikTok Ban on Small Businesses

  • Reduced Marketing Reach

Many small businesses have thrived using TikTok to reach a younger demographic and showcase their products or services in creative ways. A ban would eliminate this valuable marketing channel and force them to find alternative platforms.

  • Loss of Brand Awareness

For businesses that have already built a following on TikTok, a ban would mean losing the brand awareness and customer loyalty they’ve cultivated. This could be a significant setback, especially for businesses that rely heavily on social media marketing.

  • Limited Influencer Marketing Opportunities 

Influencer marketing on TikTok has become a powerful tool for small businesses.  A ban would eliminate these opportunities and make it more difficult for small businesses to partner with content creators to reach new audiences.

  • Disrupted Sales and Customer Engagement

Many small businesses use TikTok to drive sales through features like shoppable links.  A ban would disrupt these sales channels and make it harder for businesses to connect and engage with potential customers.

 

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