TikTok plans to shut down its app for users in the US on Sunday, as the ban imposed by federal authorities on the app takes effect, The Information reported yesterday, Tuesday.
At the same time, the company's leadership, in an internal memo, tried to reassure its American employees, emphasizing that it would continue to pay them their salaries.
If TikTok were to be shut down for all American users, the implications would be different than what the law envisions. The federal ban, which goes into effect on January 19, would prevent new users from downloading the TikTok app from Apple or Google's online stores.
However, existing users will still have access to it, although the services provided to them are expected to be gradually limited and eventually stopped, as other companies will be prohibited from supporting TikTok.
The company has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to block the ban. Last week, Supreme Court justices appeared reluctant to block the law due to national security concerns, despite President-elect Donald Trump’s urging them to delay their decision so he could find a “political solution” to the issue after his inauguration.
Based on TikTok's plans, as described by The Information, citing people familiar with the matter, users who try to open the app from January 19 will see a message directing them to a website with information about the ban imposed on the app.
TikTok also plans to give users the option to download all of their data and personal information. TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden signed a law in April requiring ByteDance to sell its US assets by January 19, 2025, or else suspend its operations in the country.
TikTok and ByteDance are seeking, through their appeal to the Supreme Court, at least to delay the implementation of the law, which they claim violates the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which protects freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, TikTok's leadership has assured its American employees that it will continue to pay them their salaries even if the Supreme Court does not block the law, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters.
The company has 7.000 employees in the US, while TikTok users in that country number 170 million.
“I cannot emphasize enough that your well-being is our top priority and (…) I want to reiterate that your job, salary, and benefits as U.S. workers are secure and our offices will remain open, even if this situation is not resolved before the January 19 deadline,” the internal memo said.
Source: protothema.gr
