Written by Mia Aponte. Graphic by Anna Porter.
This past month, TikTok faced a significant challenge in the United States due to national security concerns over its ownership. The U.S. government mandated that ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, divest its U.S. operations by January 19th, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. As the deadline approached without a sale, TikTok preemptively shut down its services on January 18th, leaving approximately 170 million American users without access.
The shutdown was brief, to say the least. Just 14 hours later, President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order delaying the ban’s enforcement by 75 days, allowing more time for a potential sale or restructuring. Following this assurance, TikTok began restoring its services, though the app remained unavailable on major app stores.
Upon its return, users noticed several changes. Many reported increased content moderation, with a noticeable reduction in live streams and more frequent content flagging. Search results appeared limited, and warnings about misinformation became more prevalent. Not to mention, certain TikTok lore and hashtags regarding the President ceased to exist on the platform. Coincidence no? TikTok stated that there were no official policy or algorithm changes, attributing these issues to temporary instability during the shutdown and restoration process.
The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future led users to explore alternative platforms. Notably, many migrated to Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), a Chinese app similar to Instagram and TikTok. This mass migration created a unique cultural exchange, as many American users and influencers who heavily relied on TikTok for income or media sources adapted to the new platform deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
The shutdown also had significant economic implications. Some individuals capitalized on the app’s brief absence by selling smartphones with TikTok pre-installed. Listings appeared on platforms like eBay, with prices reaching exorbitant amounts, highlighting the app’s significant cultural impact.
In the aftermath, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. Discussions about potential acquisitions have resurfaced, with companies like Microsoft expressing renewed interest. President Trump has indicated that the U.S. government might seek a 50% stake in the company to address security concerns, though the specifics of such an arrangement are still under consideration.
TikTok’s brief shutdown sent shockwaves through the digital landscape, reshaping user experience, sparking a migration to alternative platforms, and reigniting fierce debates over its ownership. More than just a temporary disruption, it signaled a turning point for the platform’s future in the U.S. As negotiations unfold and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, TikTok’s next move could redefine the intersection of social media, security, and global influence.
As Contributing Editor, Mia Aponte collaborates closely with staff and contributors to craft engaging narratives across various subjects. She is eager to infuse fresh perspectives and dynamic storytelling into her work and to help the contributors with their artistic pursuits. At SCAD, Mia majors in Fashion Marketing and Management and minors in Social Strategy and Management. She regularly offers opinionated pieces on numerous topics as well as pop culture insights. When she’s not writing, Mia is most likely thrifting, listening to music, or reading.
