TikTok plans for complete US shutdown on January 19: Report

TikTok , the popular social media app, will shut down its services for US users on Sunday, according to a report by The Information. The move comes as a federal ban on the app is set to take effect, unless the Supreme Court intervenes to block it.

The potential shutdown would impact all US users, differing from the mandate of the law, which would only prohibit new TikTok downloads on Apple and Google app stores while allowing existing users to continue using the app for some time.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed were quoted in the report claiming that users attempting to open the app will be greeted with a pop-up message directing them to a website containing information about the ban. Additionally, TikTok plans to provide users with the option to download their personal data, allowing them to keep a record of their information.

The report, citing unnamed sources, suggests that TikTok's proactive approach aims to address the federal ban concerns and ensure users are informed about the potential shutdown.

This started when the United States administration enacted legislation compelling ByteDance to choose between divesting TikTok or ceasing its operations. American authorities have claimed that TikTok enables Beijing's surveillance activities through data collection from its users whilst serving as a channel for propaganda dissemination. Both China and ByteDance have firmly rejected these accusations.

A growing number of US-based social media influencers are turning towards Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social platform, as the shutdown looms. The application, which translates to Red Note in English, witnessed a significant rise in popularity, reaching the number one position for downloads on Apple's App Store on Monday. Users are particularly drawn to its interface, which combines features reminiscent of both Instagram and Pinterest platforms.