TikTok ban incoming? Millions of users in US could lose access soon

TikTok

If you’re a TikTok user, you might be feeling some déjà vu. Once again, the popular video-sharing app is facing a possible ban in the US, and this time, a decision could come within days.

The app’s parent company, ByteDance, has until April 5 to sell its U.S. operations or risk a nationwide ban. This deadline was set after former President Donald Trump extended it back in January. What happens next could impact 170 million Americans who rely on TikTok for entertainment, news, community, and even their livelihoods.

While the situation seems tense, there’s still hope for TikTok users. Several potential buyers have shown interest in acquiring the app, and Trump himself has hinted at wanting to help make a deal happen.

“We have a lot of potential buyers, there’s tremendous interest in TikTok,” Trump said on Air Force One. “The decision is going to be my decision. I’d like to see TikTok remain alive.”

Concerns over TikTok’s security aren’t new. Lawmakers worry that because ByteDance is a China-based company, it could be pressured by the Chinese government to hand over American user data or manipulate the app’s algorithm. This fear led to the passing of a law last year requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations—or face a ban.

In January, TikTok briefly went offline in the US for about 14 hours after the original sale-or-ban deadline passed. App stores even removed access to TikTok. But after Trump agreed to extend the deadline by 75 days, TikTok was restored in February.

Interestingly, Trump was the first to attempt a TikTok ban during his presidency but later changed his stance, saying he enjoyed using the app. He even questioned the security concerns, asking, “Is it that important for China to be spying on young people? On young kids watching crazy videos?”

As the April 5 deadline looms, TikTok’s fate remains uncertain. Will it find a new American owner, or will millions of users have to say goodbye to the app? The clock is ticking.