TikTok plans to shut down its operations in the United States starting Sunday, pending a potential last-minute intervention from the Supreme Court to block the federal ban.

The shutdown comes as a response to legislation signed by President Joe Biden requiring Chinese-based ByteDance to sell its US assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban.

Key details about the shutdown:

• Starting January 19, new TikTok downloads will be banned from Apple and Google app stores
• Existing users can continue using the app until updates cease
• Users will see a pop-up message directing them to information about the ban
• TikTok will provide users the option to download their personal data
• The company can restore service quickly if the ban is reversed

The Supreme Court recently indicated it would likely uphold the law, despite calls from some lawmakers and President-elect Donald Trump to extend the deadline. Trump, who takes office the day after the law goes into effect, has expressed interest in potentially reversing the ban.

ByteDance and TikTok continue to challenge the law, arguing it violates First Amendment rights. However, courts have consistently ruled against this position, leading to the imminent shutdown unless last-minute legal intervention occurs.

The shutdown process requires minimal technical preparation, and services could be restored relatively quickly if the ban is lifted or delayed through legal channels.

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