The TikTok ban set to begin on January 19, 2025, won’t immediately disable the app but will stop updates and new downloads, potentially making it unusable over time.
Learn how this law impacts TikTok’s 170M U.S. users, creators’ livelihoods, and what’s next for the platform under scrutiny.
Content Highlights
- Key Dates: Jan. 19 marks the TikTok ban start under U.S. law.
- Immediate Impact: Current users can still access the app, but updates will cease.
- Creator Concerns: $1.3 billion in potential losses for creators within the first month.
- Alternatives Emerging: Lemon8, REDNote, and Neptune gain attention.
- Legal Implications: The ban doesn’t make using TikTok illegal but restricts new downloads and updates.
- Global Context: TikTok banned in India since 2020; U.S. measures follow a similar path.
With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to uphold a law banning TikTok, millions of American users are bracing for change.
As the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is set to take effect on January 19, 2025, the question looms: What does this mean for your favorite creators and your endless scrolls?
The Countdown to Change
The law, signed in April 2024, mandates TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to sell the platform to a U.S.-approved buyer or face a nationwide ban.
While the term “ban” might sound definitive, TikTok won’t simply vanish overnight.
Users who already have the app will still be able to scroll and upload content, but no new downloads or updates will be available, gradually rendering the app less functional over time.
Supreme Court arguments earlier this month reflected skepticism about free speech concerns raised by TikTok but showed alignment with Congress’ belief that the app poses national security risks due to potential data access by the Chinese government.
As Chief Justice John Roberts remarked, “The law isn’t saying TikTok has to stop. It’s saying China has to stop controlling TikTok.”
Impact on Users and Creators
For the 170 million Americans who enjoy TikTok daily, the ban could spell major disruptions.
Updates will cease, meaning the app might eventually “rot,” as experts describe it, due to lack of maintenance.
Creators who rely on TikTok for their livelihood face the possibility of losing a key income source, with TikTok estimating a collective loss of $1.3 billion for creators in the first month alone.
Personal shopper Rita Colon, who earns $3,000 monthly through TikTok, shared, “It gave me the freedom of time.
While I’m on other apps, none of them compare to TikTok’s reach and engagement.”
The Battle Behind the Ban
ByteDance has consistently denied any affiliation with the Chinese government, defending the platform as a tool for creativity and free expression.
CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before Congress in 2023, emphasizing transparency and willingness to address security concerns.
Despite this, the U.S. government remains steadfast in its demands.
Several potential buyers have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary and former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.
McCourt stated, “We aim to keep TikTok alive, empowering creators and small businesses while safeguarding users’ data.”
Alternatives and Workarounds
As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, users are exploring alternatives like Lemon8 and REDNote.
However, Lemon8, also owned by ByteDance, could face a similar ban.
Platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat are poised to capitalize on the void TikTok may leave behind.
While using a VPN might offer a temporary solution for accessing TikTok post-ban, experts warn it may not be a reliable or legal workaround long-term.
Preserving the Legacy of TikTok
TikTok revolutionized content creation and community engagement, becoming a cultural phenomenon during the pandemic.
Its potential departure marks the end of an era for millions of creators and users who found joy, income, and connection through its platform.
As the January 19 deadline approaches, the future of TikTok remains uncertain, but its legacy of reshaping social media is undeniable.