TikTok is shutting down in the US

TikTok I just ran out of Tiktoks as the countdown to the app’s life in the US ended. In the early hours of January 19th, the hugely popular short video app was no longer being used.

The shutdown left me (and millions of other users) in a state of shock as they were greeted with a “Sorry, TikTok is unavailable at the moment” message or an image that I couldn’t flick away. I don’t know what my 418 followers will do now. Seriously, the service is the drama of the moment, as the shutdown came after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal by TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, upholding a law passed by Congress last year that required ByteDance to either to sell or face a ban.

The law was prompted by national security concerns and fears that the Chinese government could use TikTok to collect sensitive information about American users. Various politicians privy to intelligence reports said it was credible that the Chinese government was using TikTok to spy on us.

But Donald Trump has signaled he may not enforce the ban and will likely keep Lit alive for another 90 days. Meanwhile, various parties gather to make offers to purchase the service.

TikTok announced that it would voluntarily shut down its services rather than risk being forcibly removed from app stores and hosting services. The company’s CEO, Shou Chewreleased a video expressing his gratitude to users and promising to work towards reintroducing TikTok. Unfortunately the video is currently not available. “This is not the end, but a new beginning,” he said firmly.

The shutdown sparked an uproar among TikTok users who wanted to move to other social media platforms where they mourned the loss of their favorite app. Many expressed their disappointment and frustration, while others shared memories of their favorite TikTok moments and some even started online petitions to bring the app back. I posted the last of my CES 2025 videos there.

Prominent bidders include Oracle, a Silicon Valley giant known for its cloud computing services. Oracle saw the acquisition as a strategic move to expand its influence in the consumer market and gain access to TikTok’s cutting-edge technology. Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, was personally involved in the negotiations and emphasized the importance of data security and transparency.

Microsoft, another major competitor, had a different vision for TikTok. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believed that integrating TikTok into Microsoft’s existing product suite could create a powerful ecosystem. He envisioned TikTok as a platform for educational content, virtual events, and more that would appeal to a broader audience beyond entertainment.

Private equity firms also entered the fray, exploring the possibility of turning TikTok into an independent entity. Blackstone Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, proposed a deal to buy ByteDance and keep TikTok running with significant investments in privacy and security measures. Their plan included appointing an independent board to oversee operations and ensure compliance with U.S. laws.

Venture capitalists also saw TikTok as a goldmine. Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz were among the firms interested in backing a consortium to acquire ByteDance. They believed that with the right management and investments, TikTok could continue its rapid growth and dominate the social media landscape.

President-elect Trump’s move to keep the service running for another 90 days was seen as a lifeline for TikTok.

“We are committed to protecting American interests while promoting innovation and growth,” Trump said in a press conference.

Other investors who bid for TikTok included Frank McCourt and his Internet Advocacy Group. The billionaire and his Internet interest group have submitted a proposal to buy ByteDance. McCourt, best known as the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, plans to restructure TikTok and give users more control over their digital identities and data.

Famous Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary also teamed up with other investors to form a group that has received commitments totaling more than $20 billion in capital. Their proposal focuses on transparency and data protection.

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has also taken steps to buy TikTok. Shortly after Congress passed the ban, Mnuchin announced the formation of an investor group to buy the social media company. And even Mr. Beast claimed to have spoken to some billionaires to make a joint offer.