TikTok could be banned from Apple and Android app stores from tomorrow as a new US block comes into force. US President Donald Trump wants the popular app blocked in the country over concerns that the Chinese-owned platform could pose a security risk to US citizens.
TikTok has denied any control or influence from the Chinese government and has insisted the app behaves responsibly on both Android and iOS devices.
Unless a deal can be struck over the next few hours a full block on the app could come into force from tomorrow, Sunday September 20.
Although TikTok will be banned on app stores, users will still be able to access the service until November 12. After this date it could be fully blocked in America.
TikTok has said that it’s “disappointed” with the upcoming block and has stated that it totally disagrees with the possible ban on its service. TikTok points out that it had fully committed to “unprecedented levels of additional transparency” in light of the Trump administration’s worries.
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In a statement, TikTok said: “We will continue to challenge the unjust executive order, which was enacted without due process and threatens to deprive the American people and small businesses across the US of a significant platform for both a voice and livelihoods.”
Although there’s only a few hours to get a resolution it seems there’s still a chance that the ban could be quashed.
Speaking to reporters on Friday Trump said a deal “could go quickly.”
“We have some great options and maybe we can keep a lot of people happy.
“We have to have the total security from China.”
Amid this threat of a TikTok ban, rumours started to emerge that Microsoft was interested in acquiring the video-focused social network’s US operations from parent company ByteDance. This rumoured interest was later confirmed by the Windows 10 company. In a statement Microsoft said it was exploring the possibility of acquiring TikTok’s US arm although a deal was never agreed and Microsoft has now backed away.
If a ban does come into force it’s sure to be a hugely unpopular decision.
TikTok is estimated to have 80million monthly users in the US, with four out of the top five most followed accounts being based in America.
The most popular US TikTok personalities are Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae, Zach King and Loren Gray who have tens of millions of followers each.
If you were unaware, TikTok is the first short-video sharing platform that has caught on with global users since Vine closed down in 2017. The app is filled with short and snappy videos lasting anywhere between 15 to 60 seconds, and spanning a broad range of categories.
TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, was set up in 2012 by Zhang Yiming. It was reported ByteDance posted a £3billion profit last year after tussling with other Chinese giants like Tencent, Baidu and Alibaba.
As well as banning TikTok, the impending order will also see WeChat blocked in the US. The messaging service, which has 1 billion users, faces the same September 20 deadline.