TikTok is on the brink of being banned in the United States unless the Biden administration provides immediate assurances to key service providers that they won’t face penalties for supporting the app. Without this clarity, TikTok stated it may have no choice but to suspend its operations on January 19.

The White House has so far declined to comment on the matter, leaving companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle at risk of substantial fines if they continue servicing TikTok after the ban takes effect.

This potential shutdown follows a bipartisan law passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden last year, targeting apps controlled by foreign adversaries. However, there’s growing opposition from lawmakers who initially supported the legislation but now advocate for TikTok’s continued presence in the U.S.

Legal Challenges and Political Maneuvers

TikTok, its parent company ByteDance, and a segment of its users challenged the law in court, arguing it violated the First Amendment’s free speech protections. However, the Supreme Court upheld the legislation, citing national security risks associated with TikTok’s ownership by a Chinese entity.

Despite the looming deadline, ByteDance has made limited efforts to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations. However, former President Donald Trump, known for his earlier attempts to ban TikTok in 2020, has hinted at a possible intervention. “A decision on TikTok will be made soon, but I need time to evaluate the situation. Stay tuned!” he wrote on social media. Trump is set to begin his second presidential term on January 20 and may invoke executive powers to save the app, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to attend Trump’s inauguration in Washington, signaling ongoing discussions about the app’s future. Meanwhile, President Biden has refrained from invoking a 90-day delay allowed under the law, deferring further decisions to the incoming administration.

National Security Concerns

For years, TikTok’s Chinese ownership has raised alarms among U.S. officials, who argue that the app could enable espionage, recruitment, or harassment through its access to user data. The Supreme Court noted that TikTok’s massive data collection and potential vulnerability to foreign influence justified “differential treatment” for national security reasons.

Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the ruling, emphasizing the need to limit access to sensitive American data by authoritarian regimes. “This decision protects the nation’s security and sends a clear message about safeguarding Americans’ privacy,” Garland said.

Impact on Users and Industry

TikTok’s uncertain future has left its 170 million U.S. users in limbo, many of whom rely on the app for entertainment, small businesses, or personal income. Influencers like Lourd Asprec, who has amassed over 16 million followers, expressed disbelief at the potential ban. “They can have my data if it means I can keep creating content,” Asprec said.

In the meantime, users have started exploring alternative platforms, including other Chinese-owned apps like RedNote, despite challenges such as language barriers.

TikTok’s powerful algorithm, which tailors content to individual preferences, has been a cornerstone of its success, making the app highly valued despite its controversies. Analysts estimate TikTok’s worth at $20 billion without its algorithm, but ByteDance has yet to find a viable buyer. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt remains the only notable bidder so far.

What’s Next?

The Biden administration has suggested that TikTok could continue operating if it separates from Chinese control. However, the White House has clarified that implementing the ban will primarily be the responsibility of the next administration. Major service providers, including Apple and Google, have remained silent, while TikTok continues to push for clearer guidance.

Experts argue that Beijing sees TikTok as a strategic tool, giving the U.S. leverage in negotiations. “Trump has a better chance of securing a deal that allows TikTok to stay in the U.S. without compromising national security,” said Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

As the January 19 deadline looms, the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, with millions of users and the tech industry awaiting clarity on the app’s fate.