170 million TikTok users all across the country were disturbed Saturday, January 18, around 10:30, with a message appearing across their screen: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.”
The message above followed with “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.” TikTok was then removed from the App Store and the Google Play store.
There had been concerns that the app, operated by a Chinese company, could possibly steal data and other information about American TikTok users, therefore leading to the law that banned TikTok in the United States. This caused mass outrage all over the country as the popular app had been removed. The removal of TikTok also left many influencers distraught, as the app was one of the best ways to gain audience and traction.
Once in office, President Trump signed an order to stall the banishment of Tiktok for 75 days. Users with the app were able to get back into TikTok and continue scrolling through their feed and making videos. However, those who had deleted the app after its initial ban are unable to reinstall the app, as it is still removed from the App Store and Google Play store.
“I was a bit annoyed, I thought the government had no business going into our social life,” Sophomore Siri Khalsa says.
Khalsa is active often on TikTok and uses it often. “I was a bit surprised, but happy though,” Khalsa comments when asked about her feelings about the app re-opening.
“I mean, at first I was pretty sad, but I think it’s pretty good for America’s benefit and safety,” Sophomore Nelena Harmon states.
Another active TikTok user, Harmon was at first upset about the ban, but has come to realize that she believes it is important for the security of Americans.
Upon the relaunch of the app, Harmon says “I was pretty happy, but pretty confused on why President Trump chose to uplift the ban, when it could be better for American national safety if it continued to be banned.”
“I thought of it as a chance to start over from addiction because TikTok can be really addicting, so I thought of it as a chance to re-focus,” Sophomore Zahra Nikzad says. “I was really shocked when it was unbanned, and I thought no way, but now it’s unbanned, and I was surprised but also happy.”
“Honestly, I was devastated, I thought it was unfair to take something that we use so often away from us,” Sophomore Nandin Tuvshintulga stated. “I feel amazing now that it’s back, but I also thought it was going to be banned for longer than just one night.”
There are some others who see the ban as a good thing.
“I was somewhat glad, I feel like people spend too much time on TikTok,” Sophomore Elise Badgley explains. “I do feel bad that now with the ban removed, people who already deleted the app can’t get it back,” Badgley adds.
Whether you love or hate the app, the TikTok ban is planned to return in a couple months, unless President Trump works to delay or even remove the ban.