TikTok Faces Potential US Shutdown on January 19 as Supreme Court Reviews Ban Appeal
TikTok faces a potential shutdown in the United States on January 19 unless the Supreme Court intervenes. The social media giant has filed legal documents stating this would affect over 170 million domestic monthly users, particularly during a presidential transition period.
President-elect Trump has requested the Supreme Court delay the TikTok ban, citing foreign policy concerns. While Trump has the authority to issue a 90-day delay after January 19, Congress must verify significant progress in ByteDance's divestment from TikTok.
If the shutdown occurs, existing users can continue using the already-installed app, similar to Musi, but:
- No new downloads will be possible
- App updates will cease
- Apple and Google must remove TikTok from their app stores
TikTok LA office with rainbow wall
Amid these legal challenges, TikTok's Los Angeles operations face additional complications due to severe wildfires. The company's Culver City office remains closed through January 12 due to power outages. Employees are instructed to:
- Work from home when possible
- Use sick days if necessary
- Navigate around widespread power and WiFi outages affecting nearly four million people
The Supreme Court's decision on January 10 will be crucial in determining TikTok's immediate future in the United States.
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