Millions of TikTok users in the United States were barred from using the social media app on Saturday as a law banning the app has been enacted a day before President Donald Trump steps into office on Monday.
Users received a message reading, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” citing the federal ban on the app. The notice expressed optimism over Trump’s willingness to negotiate a solution with the executives of TikTok in the US.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,” the notice said, referring to Trump’s pledge to “save” the platform.
The only two options users are left with are to close the app or click another option leading them to the platform’s website. The website provides them with the option to download their data, which TikTok previously announced may take days to process.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew posted a video following the ban, where he thanked Trump for his commitment to cooperate with the company and keep the app available in the US.