Da'Jae Allen 
For many Americans who use TikTok, talk about the app being banned seems constant. Worry and fear begin but dissipate just as fast as nothing ever seems to happen. But when Congress passed a bill in April requiring TikTok to either sell their operations in the states or be banned, the possibility began to feel very real. Despite a bill being created and passed in Congress, and the Supreme Court essentially approving the ban, users are still unsure about the fate of the app.
The Supreme Court has delivered its highly anticipated decision on TikTok’s constitutionality. This ruling comes just a few days before January 19th, 2025, Congress’s deadline for the app to be sold.
Although the current presidential administration has made plenty of arguments about the security risks posed by TikTok, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that due to time constraints, it will be left to Trump’s administration to implement the law. Donald Trump who originally encouraged a TikTok ban says, “[We’re] going to see what [he’s] going to do.” Malia Rye, a sophomore at Howard University says that she, “can not stand Trump” but would be very “pleased” if he chooses not to enforce the ban come January 20th.
While it was originally believed that the app would still be usable for a while after a ban, this may not be the case. If the ban does go into effect, TikTok lawyer Noel Franciso said “We go dark. Essentially, the platform shuts down,” People who try and open the app will be redirected to a web page with information about the ban.
Right now, many creators on TikTok are going down memory lane. Posting their first saved sounds, doing dances from 2020, and reposting old trends/sounds. Many users and creators have also downloaded REDnote, another Chinese app. On the 14th it became the No. 1 most downloaded app in America. However, the Court’s decision on TikTok has not only determined the immediate future of TikTok in the United States but also set a precedent that could reshape how foreign-owned platforms are allowed to operate in the country. It’s very possible that due to how REDnote has gained popularity, the U.S. government could ban this app too.
So, soak up your last (possibly) days of TikTok! Watch as many videos as you want, go through your saved edits, and post your drafts!
By Da’Jae Allen, Sophomore, Howard University
Instagram: @dajae.10
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. By donating at truestarmedia.org/donate you are helping to empower young creators and transform lives.
