TikTok plans to shut down its US operations starting Sunday, pending potential Supreme Court intervention. The shutdown comes following federal legislation requiring Chinese-based ByteDance to divest TikTok's US assets or face a nationwide ban.

Initial restrictions will prevent new downloads from Apple and Google app stores beginning January 19. Existing users can continue using the app temporarily, though updates will eventually cease.

ByteDance's planned shutdown measures include:

• Displaying pop-up messages directing users to information about the ban
• Providing users options to download their personal data
• Removing the app from US app stores

The company maintains the ability to quickly restore services should the ban be reversed. Sources indicate the shutdown process requires minimal technical preparation.

Key Timeline:

• April 2024: President Biden signed law requiring ByteDance to sell US assets by January 2025
• January 19, 2025: Ban takes effect on new downloads
• January 20, 2025: President-elect Trump's inauguration (has expressed interest in reversing ban)

ByteDance and TikTok continue challenging the law, claiming First Amendment violations. However, courts have largely dismissed these arguments, with the Supreme Court recently indicating support for upholding the legislation.

While some lawmakers and the incoming administration have called for deadline extensions, the ban remains scheduled to begin this Sunday unless the Supreme Court intervenes with last-minute action.

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