TikTok plans to shut down operations in the United States starting Sunday unless the Supreme Court intervenes to block the federal ban. The shutdown will begin with the removal of the app from Apple and Google app stores on January 19th, as mandated by federal law.

The ban primarily affects new downloads, while existing users can continue using the app until updates cease. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, plans to implement the following measures:

• Display pop-up messages directing users to information about the ban
• Provide options for users to download their personal data
• Enable quick service restoration if the ban is reversed

Key background:

• President Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its US assets by January 19, 2025
• The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold the law despite calls for deadline extension
• ByteDance continues challenging the law, claiming First Amendment violations
• President-elect Trump has expressed interest in potentially reversing the ban after his inauguration

The company can quickly restore services if the ban is lifted, as the shutdown process requires minimal technical preparation. While new downloads will be restricted, existing users may continue accessing the app until software updates become unavailable.

The situation remains fluid as ByteDance seeks legal remedies while preparing for potential shutdown scenarios, though courts have consistently ruled against the company's constitutional arguments thus far.

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