China's TikTok is reportedly preparing to shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday when the U.S. ban on sales goes into effect.
As reported by Breitbart News, under the Divest or Ban Act, TikTok's parent company, Beijing-based ByteDance, will be banned in the U.S. on January 19 unless it sells its stake in the app. That is what is required. This Chinese app faces a ban this Sunday. , because ByteDance did not sell its shares.
However, one source said the U.S. ban would ban new downloads of the TikTok app on Apple and Google, while requiring existing accounts on the Chinese app to be suspended for some time. report According to Reuters.
But TikTok's shutdown appears to be nothing like that, according to a person familiar with the matter, with the Chinese company now allowing U.S. users who try to open the app to see a pop-up message directing them to a website. He told Reuters that he plans to do so. Also includes information on prohibitions.
Officials added that TikTok will allow users the option to download all data for record keeping.
One of the people familiar with the matter also suggested that TikTok shutting down its services in the U.S. would be done quickly because it would not require longer planning, but if the ban were lifted. He added that it would take a relatively short time to resume service in the United States. future.
The only way the ban would not be triggered is if the U.S. Supreme Court acts against it, the sources added. TikTok had sought an emergency appeal to block the ban, which the Supreme Court heard arguments last week. Ironically, the Chinese company, which is beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, argued that the law violates Americans' First Amendment rights.
The ban is supported by U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who argue that TikTok is under the control of the Chinese government, giving the Chinese Communist Party the ability to spy on Americans and spread propaganda. There is.
Chinese officials have argued that ByteDance's sale of its stake in TikTok means it is exporting technology to the United States. Meanwhile, TikTok has responded to recent reports that ByteDance is considering a sale to Elon Musk, calling it “pure fiction.”
Alana Mastrangelo is a reporter for Breitbart News. you can follow her facebook And with X @ARmastrangeloand further Instagram.
