TikTok ban timeline: How did we get here and what happens next?
The Supreme Court upheld a ban of TikTok on Friday, so Americans probably won’t be able to use the app starting Sunday. The potential shuttering of the popular service, used by 170 million in the U.S., has prompted heated debate about infringement on First Amendment rights, the ability of the government to restrict access to the internet, and potential national security concerns.
This is how we got to the TikTok ban and what could come next:
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What's happening next for TikTok
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew posted Friday, the following message on their app thanking U.S. users and Trump:
So, what's going to happen on Sunday? TikTok plans to start redirecting readers to a message describing the ban. The app won't be removed from people's phones, and the company is not required to shut down the service, but Apple App Store and Google Play Store will likely remove the application and internet service providers will wind down related services to comply with the law and avoid fines.
Meanwhile, speculation continues about potential investors in the U.S. — Tesla CEO Elon Musk, former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank," content creator MrBeast aka Jimmy Donaldson, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, Canadian artist Dax and Microsoft have all been discussed as possibilities.
Contributing: Greta Cross, Shawn J. Sullivan.
More coverage of the TikTok ban
Supreme Court upholds law that could ban TikTok in the U.S., leaving the matter to Trump
Will TikTok be banned this weekend? What to know after Supreme Court's decision
Is TikTok banned? Can you still use it? What to know after ban upheld by Supreme Court
When does TikTok ban take effect? Details on the app and its possible shutdown
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President Biden won't enforce looming TikTok ban, putting fate in the hands of Trump
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