TikTok U.S. Ban To Hit 170M Users This Sunday

TikTok is on the brink of an unprecedented U.S. shutdown, with up to 170 million users set to lose access as a legislative ban tightens its grip.

The social media giant faces a January 19 deadline to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or cease operations nationwide. The ban, driven by national security concerns, could usher in a historic blackout for one of America’s most popular apps if Supreme Court justices uphold a controversial law.

While the legislation mandates app stores like Apple and Google to remove TikTok and U.S. cloud providers to halt hosting, the platform is reportedly planning an immediate suspension of services.

Instead of allowing existing users limited access, the social media giant will block all U.S.-based operations, redirecting users to a statement explaining the federally mandated ban and offering options to download personal data, The Information reported.

TikTok’s $50 Billion Stakes And Race Against Time

If ByteDance chooses to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations, potential buyers could face a staggering valuation of $40–$50 billion, according to CFRA Research’s Angelo Zino. This price tag reflects the platform’s massive user base and its revenue dominance compared to rivals.

Some suitors, like billionaire Frank McCourt and Kevin O’Leary, have previously expressed interest, albeit at a significantly lower bid of $20 billion. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reports that Chinese officials have floated a bold alternative: Elon Musk, owner of X, could acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations.

Battle Over Freedom of Speech

TikTok’s legal challenge centres on First Amendment protections, arguing that banning the platform infringes on freedom of speech. However, Supreme Court justices’ pointed questions during oral arguments last week signalled scepticism toward TikTok’s case.

The shutdown coincides with a politically charged moment as Donald Trump, a vocal critic of the ban, prepares to re-enter the White House on Monday.

Despite the uncertainty, TikTok has assured its U.S. employees that their “employment, pay, and benefits are secure.” In an internal memo obtained by The Verge, the company stated that its U.S. offices would remain open, even if operations halt temporarily.

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