TikTok has officially announced that it will cease operations in the United States by 19th January 2025.
In a legal filing dated 9th December 2024, TikTok stated, “Absent such relief, the Act will take effect on 19th January 2025. That would shut down TikTok—one of the nation’s most popular platforms, with over 170 million domestic monthly users—just before a presidential inauguration.”
This move follows legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden last year, which mandates that TikTok be removed from U.S. app stores and prohibits internet providers from allowing access to the platform unless ByteDance sells TikTok’s U.S. assets to an American company by the deadline.
The law was enacted due to concerns that China could use TikTok to spy on U.S. citizens.
In response, TikTok has filed an emergency motion for an injunction, arguing that the law infringes on the First Amendment and could result in “substantial losses.”
The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on 10th January 2025, to determine whether the law should be upheld.
Meanwhile, several entrepreneurs, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok. O’Leary posted on 6th January 2025, saying, “This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets. It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users.” He also emphasised the opportunity to empower creators, support small businesses, and create a platform that prioritises people over algorithms.
O’Leary suggested that he would likely need assistance from President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on 20th January 2025. “Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead,” O’Leary said during a 6th January appearance on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum.
“I wanted to let him know—as well as others in his cabinet—that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help.”
