TikTok users in the U.S. face uncertainty as the popular app teeters on the edge of a ban. The new Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act threatens to block the app on January 19, 2025, making it illegal for app stores like Google and Apple to distribute TikTok. The law could force ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sever ties with the app.
Elon Musk has been rumored to buy TikTok’s U.S. operations, which could help the app evade the ban. However, experts suggest ByteDance might refuse to sell TikTok, as its algorithm is the platform’s most valuable asset.
The Supreme Court recently heard arguments about TikTok’s potential national security risks. Government officials argue that the app jeopardizes U.S. security, while TikTok lawyers deny the claims. Experts believe the justices’ reception to the government’s case could result in a ban. Here’s what TikTok users should expect if the app is banned.
Can I Use TikTok After the Ban?
Once the law takes effect, users who haven’t downloaded TikTok will find it unavailable in app stores. They will not be able to access the app on their phones. For users who already have TikTok, the experience will likely degrade. TikTok will likely send notifications that say, “This service is not available in your country.” The app may eventually go dark, making it impossible to use.
The winds of change are blowing at TikTok. With the leaving of Kate Jhaveri, there will be a new structure at the company.
Cybersecurity experts warn that, over time, TikTok will become obsolete in the U.S. Without updates or security patches, TikTok could have sluggish performance and vulnerabilities. This may cause users to abandon the app for safer, more reliable alternatives.
Can I Access TikTok Through a VPN?
Although the law would ban TikTok from U.S. app stores, it doesn’t make using the app illegal. Users could potentially access TikTok through a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN can make U.S.-based users appear as though they’re outside the country, bypassing the ban. However, experts caution against using free VPNs, which may sell data or even install malware on devices. More sophisticated VPNs may require significant time and effort to set up.
What Are Some TikTok Alternatives?
Users searching for alternatives to TikTok have options. YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels offer similar short-form video content. Lemon8, another app owned by ByteDance, could serve as a replacement but may also face the same restrictions. Additionally, apps like RedNote, a Chinese language social media platform, are gaining popularity in the U.S. as potential TikTok substitutes.
