TikTok is bracing for a potential shutdown in the US on Sunday, according to sources familiar with the matter, if the Supreme Court doesn't intervene in the federal ban on the app. The social media giant is reportedly preparing to go dark in the US, a move that would exceed the ban's requirement for app stores to stop offering downloads of the app.
The shutdown would be a drastic measure, but one that TikTok's executives have been preparing for. During a Supreme Court hearing on Friday, a lawyer for TikTok stated that the app would "go dark" if the court didn't pause the ban. The company's executives have also informed employees that they are "planning for various scenarios," indicating that a shutdown is one of the possible outcomes.
If the shutdown occurs, users will be greeted with a pop-up message directing them to a website with information about the ban. Additionally, TikTok will allow users to download all of their data, a move that suggests the company is taking steps to mitigate the impact of the shutdown on its users.
The Supreme Court's decision on the matter could come as soon as today, and a shutdown is one of the possible outcomes for TikTok. The ban, which was announced earlier this month, has sparked widespread controversy and debate about the role of social media in modern society.
The implications of a TikTok shutdown in the US would be significant, with millions of users potentially losing access to the platform. The move could also have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry as a whole, as it raises questions about the limits of government regulation on social media.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance. Whether the Supreme Court intervenes or not, the consequences of this decision will be felt for years to come.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.