TikTok plans to shut down its app for US users starting Sunday unless the Supreme Court intervenes to block a federal ban, sources familiar with the matter revealed. The potential ban stems from a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations by January 19, 2025.
The law mandates blocking new downloads of TikTok from Apple and Google app stores, allowing existing users to temporarily continue using the app. However, TikTok’s strategy reportedly goes further, with users encountering a pop-up message directing them to a website with details about the ban. Users will also be offered the option to download their personal data.
TikTok and ByteDance have not commented publicly on the matter. The companies argue that the ban violates First Amendment protections against government interference with free speech and have sought a delay in its enforcement.
TikTok previously estimated in a court filing that a month-long ban could lead to one-third of its 170 million US users abandoning the platform.
Cultural Shift to RedNote
As uncertainty looms over TikTok, some US users are migrating to RedNote, a Chinese social media app known locally as Xiaohongshu. Initially popular for lifestyle recommendations, RedNote has become an unexpected hub for US-China cultural exchanges.
Chinese users have warmly welcomed “TikTok refugees” with selfies and messages of support. The platform has seen lively interactions as new users pose questions about Chinese cuisine, tourist attractions, and daily life.
Jacob Hui, a translator from Hangzhou, participated in a live chat co-hosted by Chinese and American influencers. “There weren’t many opportunities to directly interact with Americans before,” Hui said, noting he discussed topics like popular video games in the US.
However, not all RedNote users are enthusiastic about the influx, with some expressing concern over the platform being “taken over” and nationalist bloggers warning of potential American cultural influences.
Official Reactions
China’s state media has celebrated the trend. State broadcaster CCTV described RedNote as a “new home” for TikTok users. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun commented, “China has always supported and encouraged strengthening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual understanding among the peoples of all countries.”
As TikTok faces potential shutdown in the US, its ripple effects are fostering new connections and exchanges on alternative platforms, underscoring the broader cultural and technological implications of the ban.
