What happens if TikTok is banned?

The future of TikTok, a widely popular social media platform, hangs in the balance as a potential ban looms in the United States. The ban is scheduled for January 19, and it could be enforced if the Supreme Court agrees with lower courts that TikTok poses a threat to national security due to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance. If the ban is implemented, many users, including prominent influencers like Charli D'Amelio, who boasts 150 million followers, could find themselves cut off from their audience. However, even if the ban is enacted, it raises questions about whether Americans will still be able to access the app. One possible method for users to bypass the ban is through the use of a VPN, or virtual private network, which allows individuals to mask their location and appear as if they are accessing the app from another country. This could enable them to continue using TikTok, but it may not provide the same experience as before. The most likely scenario for a TikTok ban would involve the US government instructing app stores, such as the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, to remove the app from their platforms. This would mean that new users would be unable to download TikTok, although those who already have the app installed would still be able to use it for a time. However, without access to updates, the app could become increasingly buggy and eventually unusable. Updates are crucial for fixing bugs and addressing security vulnerabilities, and if TikTok stops receiving them, it could leave millions of devices open to potential hacking attempts. As the ban approaches, protests have erupted outside the Supreme Court, with young people rallying to express their support for TikTok. They hold signs reading 'Keep TikTok' and urge lawmakers to reconsider the implications of such a ban. While there are ways to circumvent the ban, such as changing the region of app stores or downloading apps from the internet, these methods come with their own risks and may violate terms of service agreements. The government is also considering measures to prevent internet hosting services from providing access to TikTok, which could further complicate efforts to use the app after a ban is enforced. Another potential avenue for the government to ban TikTok could mirror the approach taken by India in 2020, when the country ordered internet providers to block access to the app entirely. Even if users employ a VPN, TikTok may still have the ability to detect their location and restrict access accordingly. Reports suggest that TikTok is preparing to comply with a ban if it is enacted, with its legal representatives indicating that the app may 'go dark' in the US unless the Supreme Court rules in its favor. The complexity of the situation has left experts uncertain about the future of TikTok and the implications of a ban. Professor Milton L. Mueller from the Georgia Institute of Technology, who has filed a legal brief in support of TikTok, notes that the lack of clarity surrounding the extent of US authority complicates predictions about the consequences of a ban. However, he emphasizes that the impact on users and the broader internet landscape would be significant. A ban could lead to a fragmentation of the internet along national borders, fundamentally altering how people access and share information online. If TikTok is banned, users may seek alternatives to the platform. TikTok currently boasts around 170 million users in the US, who spend an average of 51 minutes per day on the app. Should TikTok become less accessible, competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts could see a surge in users, as they are well-positioned to attract those displaced by a TikTok ban. Analysts suggest that advertisers may shift their spending to these platforms if they can no longer promote their products on TikTok. This pattern mirrors the behavior observed in India following TikTok's ban in 2020. Another app that could benefit from a TikTok ban is Lemon8, which is also owned by ByteDance. However, since the law applies to all apps owned by the company, Lemon8 may also face restrictions. Other platforms, such as Twitch, known for its live streaming capabilities, could also gain traction among TikTok users. Despite the potential for other platforms to fill the void left by TikTok, some experts argue that no existing app can truly replicate TikTok's unique features, particularly its shopping capabilities that allow users to purchase products directly from videos. TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has consistently denied any plans to sell the platform. However, if a ban is enforced, the landscape may change, especially with a president who is known for his negotiation skills returning to office. There are ongoing discussions about potential buyers for TikTok, including billionaire Elon Musk, although these claims remain unverified. Other interested parties include former treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and businessman Frank McCourt, who has reportedly secured significant financial backing for a potential bid. Even the popular YouTuber MrBeast has jokingly expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, given his substantial following on the platform. As the situation unfolds, the future of TikTok remains uncertain, and many are closely monitoring developments to see how this story will play out.