The TikTok Dilemma: What You Need to Know About the Ban

TikTok has become an essential part of social media culture, capturing the attention of over 170 million users in the U.S. with its captivating mix of content—from side-splitting skits and stunning makeup tutorials to insightful social commentary and breaking news. Yet, the fate of this entertainment giant is hanging by a thread due to a recent Supreme Court decision that could lead to the app vanishing from U.S. app stores as soon as Sunday.

The Supreme Court Ruling and Its Immediate Consequences

The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling upholds a law banning TikTok from U.S. app stores, paving the way for its potential disappearance. This decision follows a wave of political tension, particularly from President-elect Donald Trump, who expressed confidence in negotiating a last-minute resolution. As Trump prepares to take office, the question remains: what options will he have to rescue the app?

What Happens on January 19?

A TikTok lawyer stated that on January 19, the app will “go dark” if the law is upheld. This means that platforms like Apple and Google will no longer host TikTok in their app stores. For current users, the app will remain functional if already downloaded, but new users won’t have access. Consequently, TikTok may struggle with updates, security patches, and bug fixes, degrading the app’s performance over time.

According to David Choffnes, executive director of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute at Northeastern University, while U.S. hosting services will be prohibited from servicing TikTok, the website may still operate. However, users relying on it could experience slow loading times and diminished performance, ultimately risking the app’s usability.

Exploring Workarounds to Access TikTok

For those determined to keep using TikTok, a few workarounds exist, albeit with added complexity. A common method is employing a VPN (virtual private network), which allows users to mask their location and potentially bypass the ban by accessing servers in other countries. Lauren Hendry Parsons from ExpressVPN suggests that users could tweak settings on their phones to connect to a nearby country’s app store.

However, if many users adopt these tactics, Apple and Google might perceive this as legal liability and could respond with stricter enforcement measures. For Android users, sideloading TikTok through third-party app stores is possible, but it introduces risks like malware, cautions Gus Hurwitz, a telecommunications professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Retrieving Your Favorite Content

If TikTok does go dark, users will still have the option to save videos they’ve posted or from favorite influencers. However, not everything may be downloadable; limitations may apply, especially on private accounts or posts from users under 16. TikTok even allows users to request a copy of their data, which includes your interaction history on the platform—though this may take several days to process.

The Shift to Other Platforms

Should TikTok become unavailable, established platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are likely to reap the benefits. Many creators have already begun experimenting with similar features; Instagram’s Reels and YouTube’s Shorts have been tailored to capture TikTok’s short-form allure. Analysts predict that small businesses and creators may swiftly transition to these platforms, as they have substantial user bases that overlap with TikTok’s.

Interestingly, users have also explored platforms outside these established names, such as China’s Xiaohongshu (often referred to as “RedNote”) and Lemon8, signifying a potential shift in where audiences engage online.

What’s Next for TikTok?

The decision about TikTok’s future now lies with the incoming Trump administration, which has indicated intentions to preserve the app. Congressman Mike Waltz, poised to be the national security adviser, stated on Fox News that they would implement measures to ensure TikTok remains operational, suggesting potential extensions on the ban as long as a viable option for a sale is on the table.

Trump’s awareness of TikTok’s massive popularity—including his own significant following on the platform—places him in a complex position, especially when juxtaposed with Senate Republicans who criticize TikTok’s Chinese ownership for failing to secure an acquisition ahead of the ban.

In an unusual twist, TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend the inauguration alongside other tech moguls like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, suggesting that this issue is far from settled and will continue to evolve in the coming weeks.