TikTok shutdown in the US: Less than 24 hours to go before the social media platform is shut down in the United States following a Supreme Court order. However, with more than 170 million American users and an estimated turnover of around $20 billion by 2025, according to Bernstein analysts, TikTok is overwhelmingly popular with young people and advertisers. As TikTok goes dark, several tech experts are talking about a hack that may still allow US users to access the short video platform.
The company announced late Friday that it will cease operations in the United States on Sunday unless the Joe Biden administration assures companies such as Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement action if a ban is implemented.
TikTok has until Sunday, Jan. 19, to cut ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or shut down its U.S. operations to address national security concerns.
VPN: Can You Access TikTok in the US Using VPNs?
VPNs, or virtual private networks, offer a possible solution for accessing TikTok when the app goes dark in the US because they can mask a user's location to appear as if they are in a country where the app remains available.
However, both Apple and Google have taken measures to prevent VPN users from accessing illegal content, such as unlicensed gambling apps. For Android users, it may be possible to download TikTok via a method known as sideloading, which bypasses the Google Play Store.
If you have an Android device, you may be able to download TikTok by bypassing the Google Play Store, a tactic known as sideloading.
Experts have also informed themselves Reuters that users may get access to a web-based version of TikTok that has fewer features than the app, and even that may not work, experts say.
TikTok goes dark in the US?
The uncertainty over TikTok's future has prompted users, mainly younger demographics, to seek alternatives, such as China-based app RedNote.
As the deadline for a possible ban approaches, competitors Meta and Snap have experienced a surge in their stock prices, with investors anticipating an influx of users and advertising revenue.
Marketing companies that rely heavily on TikTok have been busy devising contingency plans, with one executive describing the situation. Reuters as a 'hair on fire' moment, which stands in stark contrast to previous assumptions that a solution would be found to keep the app operational.