TikTok Plans Complete US Shutdown Ahead of Federal Ban
1/14/2025
TikTok is preparing to completely shut down its service for all U.S. users on Sunday, according to The Information, taking a more drastic approach than required by the impending federal ban.
Key Details
- Timing: Complete shutdown planned for Sunday, January 19
- Scope: Would affect all U.S. users, both existing and new
- Condition: Unless Supreme Court intervenes to block the ban
Contrast with Law Requirements
The federal law actually mandates:
- Ban on new downloads only
- Continued access for existing users
- Gradual service degradation
- Restrictions limited to app store availability
Significance
TikTok's planned complete shutdown would be:
- More extensive than legally required
- Affecting all 170 million U.S. users
- Immediate rather than gradual
- A voluntary corporate decision
The company has not publicly confirmed these plans, and the situation remains dependent on potential Supreme Court intervention before Sunday's deadline.