A TikTok ban is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19th, following the Supreme Court's rejection of an appeal. The court unanimously dismissed TikTok's First Amendment challenge, citing the platform's scale, susceptibility to foreign control, and extensive data collection as justifying the ban to address national security concerns. While acknowledging TikTok's significance as a platform for expression and community for over 170 million Americans, the Supreme Court upheld Congress's determination that divestiture is necessary.

Absent political intervention, TikTok will cease operation in the U.S. on Sunday. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated President Biden's preference is for TikTok to remain available under American ownership. However, implementation falls to President-elect Donald Trump's administration, sworn in on Monday.

The Supreme Court ruling emphasizes the government's well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data practices and its relationship with a foreign adversary.

Trump, previously opposed to a TikTok ban, may issue an executive order delaying enforcement for 60 to 90 days. He reportedly stated on Truth Social that he is discussing the ban with Chairman Xi Jinping.

China's willingness to sell TikTok entirely to a Western buyer remains uncertain, although reports suggest this is a possibility. Elon Musk, involved with the incoming Trump administration, is reportedly being considered as an intermediary for potential buyers, or may even attempt a purchase himself.

Meanwhile, users have migrated to the similar Chinese app, Red Note (Xiaohongshu), with Reuters reporting over 700,000 new users in just two days.

TikTok's future in the U.S. hinges on finding a new owner or ceasing operations—unless a Trump administration executive order intervenes.