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TikTok Faces Looming U.S. Ban Over National Security Concerns

The Chinese-owned app must sell its U.S. operations by January 19 or risk removal from app stores, reflecting global scrutiny of social media platforms.

  • The U.S. Congress has mandated TikTok to divest its American operations from ByteDance by January 19, citing national security risks tied to Chinese ownership.
  • If TikTok fails to comply, app stores will be instructed to remove it, preventing new downloads while existing users lose access to updates over time.
  • TikTok is reportedly considering a dramatic temporary shutdown in the U.S. to draw public attention to the ban and pressure policymakers.
  • The app has faced similar restrictions globally, with bans in countries like India, Pakistan, and Albania, often justified by concerns over sovereignty, public safety, or harmful content.
  • Other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, have also been banned or restricted in various nations, highlighting increasing governmental control over social media.
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