With Trump taking office on Monday, he could decide to delay the law. In the meantime, TikTok is seeking dialogue with the new administration to ensure the continuity of the service in the U.S. While a final decision is awaited, TikTok users can take precautions to protect their videos and data, preparing for all possible scenarios.
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a federal law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. unless the app is owned by a non-Chinese person by Sunday has caused uncertainty among users. However, the White House says enforcement of the law will fall to the incoming administration, which takes office on Monday. President-elect Donald Trump is considering issuing an executive order to delay the law, The Washington Post reported.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO TIKTOK? There are several possibilities: the ban could be avoided, be temporary, or last for a long period. While it’s difficult to predict the outcome, users can prepare for all possible scenarios. In a statement Friday night, TikTok said the app “will be forced to shut down on January 19,” unless the new administration provides specific assurances that it will not enforce the law.
CAN TIKTOK BE USED THROUGH THE WEBSITE? Even though TikTok is no longer available as an app, accessing it through its website is not secure. The new law requires computer service providers to stop supporting TikTok in the US, making it uncertain whether regular TikTok content will be available.
CAN A VPN HELP? One possible option to continue using TikTok is through a virtual private network (VPN). This software can make it appear as if you are using TikTok from a country where it is not banned. However, using VPNs comes with its own risks, as some of them can be insecure and harmful to personal data.
WILL USERS FACE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES? No. The law does not require Americans to stop using TikTok or delete it from their phones. Only companies, like Apple and Google, can face large fines for violating the law.
HOW TO SAVE YOUR OR OTHERS’ VIDEOS? Given the uncertainty over the future of TikTok, it’s a good idea to download your data. You can do this by going to: Profile > Settings and privacy > Account > Download your data.
In the meantime, to save videos, you can use third-party options, such as browser extensions, to download them to your devices. But be careful, as these tools can compromise your privacy.
WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE? Possible alternatives are Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or other apps like Lemon8 and RedNote. If you want to follow your favorite creators, be sure to find their accounts on other platforms.
WILL DONALD TRUMP STOP THIS DECISION? It’s unclear. With Trump taking office on Monday, he could decide to delay the implementation of the law. In the meantime, TikTok is seeking dialogue with the new administration to ensure the continuity of the service in the US. While a final decision is awaited, TikTok users can take precautions to preserve their videos and data, preparing for all possible scenarios.
