January 19 marked a significant milestone as TikTok and Capcut were officially banned from operating in the U.S. This decision was made after ByteDance, the parent company of both apps, failed to complete the sale of management rights to a U.S. entity as required by the government.
Reasons Behind the Ban on TikTok and Capcut
A notice appeared when U.S. users tried to access TikTok (Image: X).
According to new regulations, ByteDance was required to fully divest from TikTok to ensure compliance with national security requirements in the U.S. However, by the deadline, the company had not found a suitable partner to complete the transaction. This led to the ban on TikTok and Capcut across the entire U.S. territory.
When U.S. users attempted to access TikTok, they received a message: “Sorry, TikTok is currently unavailable. A ban on TikTok has been enacted in the United States. Unfortunately, this means you cannot use TikTok at this time.” The notice also hinted that incoming President Donald Trump might seek to reverse the ban in the future.
Capcut, a popular video editing app owned by ByteDance, also faced the same fate due to similar issues related to management control.
Impact on Users and Businesses
1. The Most Affected User Groups
With over 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok is not just an entertainment platform but also a primary source of income for many content creators. These creators now face significant challenges as they lose their familiar distribution channel.
Additionally, regular users expressed disappointment because TikTok provided unique entertainment through short videos. Many even turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to continue accessing the platform.
2. Impact on Advertising Businesses
Major U.S. businesses that heavily invested in TikTok advertising are rapidly shifting their marketing strategies. They are reallocating budgets to other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to maintain customer reach.
3. Community Reactions
On social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Threads, many U.S. users shared their feelings of sorrow over the ban. Some argued that TikTok had improved their lives by providing joy and earning opportunities.
Many U.S. users opposed the ban on TikTok, citing the platform’s role in enhancing their lives (Image: CNA).
However, there was also a segment of the community that supported the ban, arguing that personal data and national security should take precedence over entertainment benefits.
Future Outlook
Although the ban on TikTok in the U.S. has taken effect, it is not the final conclusion. Incoming President Donald Trump may extend the implementation period, giving ByteDance a chance to find a suitable solution to restore TikTok’s operations in the U.S. market.
The shutdown of TikTok and Capcut in the U.S. affects hundreds of millions of users and raises debates about balancing national security with the freedom to use technology. In this context, the question remains open whether the involved parties can find an acceptable solution.
Source: dantri.com.vn
