TikTok has officially been banned in the U.S., leaving millions of users unable to access the popular social media app. When attempting to use TikTok, users are now met with a message stating, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now." The message further explains, "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned! In the meantime, you can still download your data."

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Despite a final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, TikTok's efforts were in vain as the court unanimously upheld the ban. The Supreme Court acknowledged the platform's significance, stating, "There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights."

TikTok remains hopeful that the incoming President, Donald Trump, will lift the ban upon taking office on January 20. In a recent interview with NBC News on January 18, Trump expressed that he would "most likely" delay the ban for 90 days. This delay could provide an opportunity for a buyer from the United States or one of its allies to purchase the app, which has yet to happen and was a key factor in the ban's enforcement. As a result of the ban, other apps linked to TikTok's parent company ByteDance, such as CapCut, Lemon8, and even Marvel Snap, have also gone offline.