The future of TikTok and its 170 million U.S. users is uncertain as the Supreme Court examines the constitutionality of a law that could lead to a nationwide ban if the company doesn't divest its U.S. operations by January 19. If upheld, the ban could signal the end of TikTok in the U.S., although it won't immediately disappear from users' devices.
It may become more difficult for Americans to access TikTok, with potential service slowdowns or crashes, as technical barriers to accessing the app increase.
The law, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), gives the U.S. government the power to ban foreign-owned apps deemed national security risks, focusing on the companies that enable TikTok's availability, including app stores and cloud service providers.
While users who already have TikTok installed can still use it, the app will no longer be available for download or updates, leading to a decline in functionality over time.
Users are advised to back up their data and videos and prepare for potential workarounds, such as using VPNs or sideloading the app.
However, these options may deter casual users due to the added complexity.
The law's effective date coincides with the end of President Biden's term, and President-elect Trump, who has expressed differing views on TikTok, could influence its future.
Trump has several options, including trying to repeal the law, directing the Justice Department not to enforce it, or using his authority to declare that the company has sufficiently divested TikTok.
Another potential solution is reviving the "Project Texas" plan, where Oracle would host U.S. user data to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations.
Despite these options, uncertainty remains about TikTok's fate in the U.S. and whether any legal or political manoeuvre could prevent its eventual shutdown.
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