Millions of TikTok users were blocked from accessing the popular app in the United States as a national ban came into effect Sunday. Incoming president Donald Trump cannot intervene until he takes office.
TikTok, removed from prominent app stores hours before the ban, messaged users attempting to log on that a “law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US.”
“Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
It said, “we are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
The blackout followed a US Supreme Court decision on Friday to uphold a law banning the popular video-sharing platform in the name of national security unless its Chinese owners reached a deal to sell it to non-Chinese buyers by Sunday.
From teenage dancers to grandmothers sharing cooking tips, TikTok has been embraced for its ability to transform ordinary users into global celebrities when a video goes viral.
It also has a fan in Trump, who has credited the app with connecting him to younger voters, contributing to his election victory in November.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/AFP
