TikTok is set to shut down in the U.S. on Sunday following a 2024 law mandating its Chinese parent company to either sell or shut down the app due to national security concerns. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling upholding the law limits TikTok’s legal options, but some political avenues remain for possible delay.
Trump’s Efforts to Delay the Ban
President-elect Donald Trump and his advisors explore options to delay the ban. “The Supreme Court’s decision was expected. It must be respected, but I need time to review TikTok’s situation. Stay tuned!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
TikTok’s CEO Responds to Trump’s Involvement
TikTok CEO Shou Chew thanked Trump for his efforts to resolve the situation. He reassured viewers in a video message. Chew emphasized that TikTok would do everything to remain operational in the U.S. He ended with “More to come.” The company is committed to addressing the challenges ahead.
Compliance Challenges and Legal Risks
The future of TikTok depends on its compliance with the law. Non-compliance could result in billions of dollars in penalties for the app, its partners, including Apple, Google, and Oracle, which stores U.S. users’ data. If TikTok shuts down to avoid such fines, major consequences could follow.

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App Stores Could Be Affected by TikTok Ban
If the law is enacted, Apple and Google must remove TikTok from their app stores. This will stop new downloads. Transfers to new devices will also be blocked. The app might remain on some devices, but it won’t work. Users will likely experience a non-functional app.
Alternative Solutions for Users
Users may try to bypass the ban using VPNs, though Apple and Google work to block VPN access to illegal content. Android users can sideload the app, but this process exposes them to risks like malware. Apple restricts sideloading completely.
Emerging Alternatives to TikTok
Instagram and YouTube offer similar short video content, but new competitors like Triller, Likee, and Flip are emerging. Lemon8 and Xiaohongshu, owned by companies with Chinese ties, are also gaining popularity. Xiaohongshu may avoid the ban for now, though its future remains uncertain. These platforms are rapidly growing in the social media landscape.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
Discussions continue behind the scenes. Last month, Trump urged the Supreme Court to delay the law’s implementation. He advocated for a negotiated resolution. ByteDance resisted selling TikTok, while China considered letting a trusted non-Chinese entity take control. People mentioned Elon Musk as a potential candidate to oversee TikTok’s U.S. operations.
