The battle to ban TikTok in the United States has reached a critical point, with the Supreme Court set to make a decision on Friday that could impact the app’s 170 million American users. If the ban is implemented, the app will no longer be available for download on app stores, as companies like Apple and Google would be subject to significant civil penalties for distributing or updating TikTok. While users who already have the app on their phones will not be affected immediately, the app may degrade over time without updates from ByteDance. Advertisers are still signing contracts to advertise on TikTok in anticipation of continued usage in the United States.
It is unclear whether TikTok will block access to the app for American users after the ban, as was seen in India. Additionally, access to TikTok through internet browsers will be restricted, but using a VPN may provide a workaround. Some experts speculate that President-elect Donald J. Trump could intervene to save the app, but it is uncertain if Apple and Google would risk penalties by defying the ban. Ultimately, the fate of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on the issue.