The US Supreme Court’s decision to uphold TikTok’s ban, set for January 19th, has sent ripples of concern among users. TikTok has released an official statement confirming the impending shutdown unless the Biden administration intervenes. The platform warns it will be “forced to go dark” without immediate assurance of non-enforcement from key service providers. What does this “going dark” scenario actually entail for American users?
Understanding “Going Dark”: A Look at Potential Scenarios
While TikTok hasn’t officially detailed what “going dark” means, there’s speculation about the app’s and website’s fate. Drawing parallels from regions where TikTok is currently banned offers some potential insights. In several countries, including India, access to TikTok is restricted. Users attempting to access the platform are met with a message indicating the restriction and ongoing compliance efforts with local agencies.
Error message displayed when attempting to access TikTok in a banned region.
A similar scenario might unfold in the US, although the message’s wording would likely differ. Accessing other TikTok domains, like the newsroom, might result in network errors.
Network error message when accessing a TikTok-related domain in a banned region.
App Store and Play Store Implications
The ban will likely force Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their respective app stores. New downloads would be unavailable. Attempting to access the app listing through a web link currently yields error messages on both platforms.
Error message displayed when attempting to access TikTok on the Google Play Store.
Error message displayed when attempting to access the TikTok app after a ban.
Potential for a Reprieve? Last-Minute Hopes and Speculation
Despite the impending deadline, hope remains for a reprieve. TikTok expresses hope that the Biden administration will intervene. However, there is also speculation that incoming President Trump might act after his inauguration, possibly extending the deadline through an executive order. The New York Times reports the TikTok CEO is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, fueling this speculation. The Washington Post suggests Trump could delay the ban by two to three months, though the legal mechanisms remain unclear.
Meanwhile, NBC News reports that the Biden administration aims to maintain some form of TikTok accessibility in the US, with an unnamed official stating Americans shouldn’t anticipate an immediate ban on Sunday. Whether these hopes materialize remains uncertain, leaving TikTok’s future in the US hanging in the balance.
