The U.S. TikTok ban: What to expect

The United States government has decided to ban the social media platform TikTok. This ban is set to take effect on January 19, 2025. The ban has raised major uncertainties about the app’s futur...

Published 16 Jan 2025

By Itoro Oladokun

(FILES) In this photo illustration the social media application logo for TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone in front of a US flag and Chinese flag background in Washington, DC, on March 16, 2023. - TikTok faces a US ban after an appeals court on December 6, 2024, rejected its challenge to a law requiring the video-sharing app to divest from its Chinese parent company by January 19. The potential ban could strain US-China relations just as president-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP)

The United States government has decided to ban the social media platform TikTok. This ban is set to take effect on January 19, 2025. The ban has raised major uncertainties about the app’s future and usage. Here’s what we know so far:

Will TikTok be accessible?

The U.S. government decided on the ban in 2024, citing security concerns. TikTok may “go dark” entirely if the Supreme Court upholds the ban. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has stated that users trying to access the app could encounter a shutdown message with instructions to download their data.

If TikTok avoids a total shutdown, existing users might still access the app, but new downloads will stop. However, TikTok won’t be able to update or maintain the app, leading to slower performance, more glitches, and weaker security over time. Without updates, TikTok could face a gradual decline as users move to other platforms.

READ ALSO: TikTok plans total US shutdown as ban deadline looms

Can VPNs bypass the ban?

Users might turn to VPNs to bypass restrictions, as these tools can mask locations. However, VPNs may struggle on smartphones, where TikTok thrives, making the experience frustrating. Even on laptops or desktops, TikTok’s design isn’t as engaging.

Will the government step in?

Currently, there is no news if the federal government will step in for Nigerian users if Tiktok company decides to short it all off. Efforts to delay the ban include the extend of the TikTok Deadline Act and discussions of selling TikTok to buyers like Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, Bobby Kotick, Doug McMillon, Microsoft, or Elon Musk. However, bipartisan support for the ban makes intervention unlikely.

President-elect Donald Trump could pause enforcement once in office, but ByteDance insists it won’t sell TikTok. Meanwhile, companies hesitant to face legal risks may avoid providing support for TikTok in the U.S.

What should creators do?

With strong disincentives for users and companies alike, TikTok’s future in the U.S. and other countries looks bleak. Creators should prepare for the worst and explore alternative platforms before January 19.

This ban will significantly reduce views, comments and likes across all countries. TikTokers, who are living on its bonuses, are advised to brace up any bonus decline because a large chunk of TikTok users are Americans.