A complete shutdown of TikTok could take effect from Sunday onwards
What exactly will US users see when they wake up on Sunday and open TikTok? According to Reuters sources, Americans trying to access the app will face a harsh new reality – instead of their usual feed of viral content, they will see a pop-up message directing them to a page informative internet about the ban.
It’s a dramatic move that could reshape the social media landscape in the US. The planned shutdown, reported by Reuters based on sources familiar with the matter, marks a sharp departure from what many industry observers had predicted. While the April 2024 law technically only mandates the blocking of new downloads and certain support services, TikTok owner ByteDance appears to be choosing what industry analysts are calling the nuclear option — a complete shutdown of its platform for all 170 its million American users.
The complete shutdown of TikTok’s operations is a much broader ban than federal law requires, representing a bold strategic play in the ongoing tension between Chinese-owned technology companies and US regulatory authorities.
One interpretation of this aggressive approach is that it appears to be designed to create maximum impact. Rather than allow the platform to gradually degrade through a lack of updates — which would be the natural consequence of the maintenance and updates law’s ban — ByteDance is reportedly choosing instead to let the effects of the ban be felt. instantly from its entire user base. The company is also reportedly preparing to offer users the option to download their personal data, suggesting a readiness for a potentially extended period of darkness while ensuring users retain access to their footprint. digital.
How to save TikTok videos and download your data
Currently, users can download their favorite videos, as well as an archive of their TikTok account, before the ban. Here’s how:
Saving your video content
- Open your browser and go to the TikTok web platform
- Find your favorite videos through profile or likes
- Right-click the video and select “Download Video” to save it as an MP4 file
Note: download availability depends on creator permissions
If you are using the mobile app:
- Find the Share icon while watching your selected video
- Select the “Save Video” option.
- Either save it to your smartphone/tablet, email it or upload it to Google Drive
You can also use more powerful third-party tools if you prefer. Repurpose.io allows creators to download all their TikTok videos directly to Google Drive. Chrome extensions like myfaveTT also allow users to export their likes and favorite TikTok videos in bulk, while allowing them to organize them into folders.
Downloading your personal TikTok account data
TikTok also offers a data download service that includes your watch history, comments, privacy settings and more. Here’s how to access it:
- Go to your Profile section in the TikTok app
- Access Settings and Privacy via the Menu button
- Go to “Account Settings”
- Select “Download your data”
- Choose your preferred file format and content categories
- Submit your request
You usually have to wait a day or two for the request to be processed. After which:
- Return to the “Download your data” section.
- Check the Download Data tab.
- Look for the ready to download notification
- Complete the download within 4 days before it expires
It’s worth noting that the platform may exclude the most recent 24-48 hours of activity from your download, and some data that affects the privacy of others may be restricted. Consider starting video and data downloads as soon as possible to avoid possible server congestion before Sunday.
The global implications of a TikTok ban in the US
A complete discontinuation, rather than a phased obsolescence, may elicit more vocal backlash … [+]
The global implications of the TikTok ban extend beyond US borders. In recent court filings, ByteDance warned that the US shutdown could create ripple effects around the world, as hundreds of US service providers that help make the platform available to international users would be forced to cease operations. The interconnected nature of TikTok’s infrastructure means ByteDance’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for TikTok’s global user base.
The timing of this shutdown strategy also takes on additional significance given the political context. With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office just one day after the ban goes into effect, the Washington Post reports that he is considering executive action to halt the shutdown for 60 to 90 days. Meanwhile, NBC reports that the Biden administration has been weighing options to keep the platform available beyond Sunday, potentially postponing the final decision to the incoming Trump administration.
For ByteDance, this all-or-nothing approach carries substantial risks. In a court filing last month, the company estimated that a one-month ban would result in a third of its 170 million US users stopping using the platform. However, the immediate and dramatic nature of a full shutdown could serve ByteDance’s interests by creating a clear and visible crisis that could generate immediate public pressure against the ban, while protecting service providers from legal liability.
The strategy also maintains operational integrity for a possible quick restart—a crucial consideration given the fluid political situation. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that most operations have continued as usual this week, and if the ban is lifted later, TikTok will be able to restore service to US users in a relatively short time.
As Sunday approaches, the tech industry is watching closely to see how this unprecedented situation unfolds. The pending Supreme Court ruling could yet change the trajectory, but ByteDance’s preparation for a full shutdown suggests the company is ready to embrace a strategy of maximum impact rather than gradual degradation.
For now, millions of US users are left wondering if their last scroll through their About page this week could be their last — at least for the foreseeable future. The company’s decision to go dark rather than fade could prove to be either a masterful negotiating tactic or a costly miscalculation in one of the most important battles yet for the future of social media in America.
