TikTok went into darkness on Saturday night for it's US devotees. But after a series of turbulent events it already looks like it could make a return. The Chinese-owned social media app went into a blackout with a bombshell message around 10 p.m. EST on Saturday, a full two hours before the ban was expected to kick in. From emotional goodbyes to people setting fire to government offices, outraged Americans were prepared to fight.
The message to all app users said: "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now," and users were given two options at the bottom: "Learn more" and "Close app.". However, with the arrival of Donald Trump back in office, developers say they've been working with the President-elect, saying, "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!".
It comes after TikTok was unable to find a buyer before the January 19 deadline, when the US demanded TikTok's owners, ByteDance, to sell their app to an American company amid claims it poses a threat to national security. But things looked positive when Trump vowed to issue an executive order on the day of his inauguration to give the app's parent company, ByteDance more time to find a buyer, with the blackout lasting just 12 hours.
The ban sent influencers into a frenzy, with some slamming it as "dystopian". Many influencers who have managed to create a living from TikTok took to the platform to thank their viewers for the support, as well as sharing where they were going to put there content in the future.
