On January 18, 2025, A pop-up message on millions of US TikTok users’ phones appeared, reading, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now”. The ban came after the Bipartisan bill questioned how TikTok’s Chinese owners, ByteDance, may be able and willing to sell US data to the Chinese government. This bill was signed by President Joe Biden. Only 24 hours later, another message appeared. It read, “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” 

Here is the timeline:

April 2024 – The House of Representatives and the Senate passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFCA) in an overwhelming majority. The act gave ByteDance until January 19, 2025, to divest TikTok and sell it to an American company. TikTok then filed a suit against the US government. 

January 10, 2025 –  The Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments. Billionaires and economic analysts began to question the value of TikTok if a potential sale were to go through. 

January 16, 2025 –  The Senate failed to pass a bill that would extend the ban for 90 days. 

January 17, 2025 – The Supreme Court upholds the ban on the basis that it doesn’t infringe upon free speech.   

January 18, 2025 – The message announcing TikTok’s shutdown appears on users’ “For You Page.” 

January 19, 2025 – Tik Tok was officially back, thanking President Trump for protecting TikTok. 

So, what does the future of TikTok hold? President Trump signed an executive order that would delay the ban by 75 days and demand that Tik Tok diversify about 50% and sell to a United States-based company. Many large companies, such as Meta and Microsoft, have been rumored to be interested in this sale. 

The TikTok frenzy will continue as international tension continues to grow and national security concerns mount.