TikTok ceased operations in the United States on Sunday, disappearing from prominent app stores just before a federal law banning the popular platform took effect.

Users attempting to access the app were met with a notification reading, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”

The app has been removed from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and TikTok’s website in compliance with the federal law, which requires ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell the platform or face a ban.

Impact on Users

With an estimated 170 million users in the United States, the ban has sparked widespread frustration and confusion. TikTok warned users late Saturday that the platform would become “temporarily unavailable” due to the impending implementation of the law.

“We regret that a US law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable,” the company stated. “We’re working to restore our service in the US as soon as possible and appreciate your support.”

Trump Hints at Potential Reprieve

In a surprising twist, former President Donald Trump indicated he may grant TikTok a temporary reprieve once he takes office on Monday. In an interview with NBC News, Trump revealed that he had discussed the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping and was considering activating a 90-day extension.

“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done, because it’s appropriate,” Trump said, adding that he could announce his decision as early as Monday.

US-China Relations in Focus

The ban is expected to strain already tense US-China relations. TikTok’s removal from the US market underscores the geopolitical challenges surrounding the platform and raises questions about data security and sovereignty.

Observers note that the resolution of TikTok’s status in the United States will have broader implications for global tech companies navigating political and regulatory pressures in an increasingly polarized world.

For now, TikTok’s US users can only wait and hope for a resolution that brings the platform back online.