By: Faith Yoho

A ban on TikTok was meant to take place on January 19th, 2025, but the app remains active; what’s next?

TikTok, a popular video-sharing platform, has been a cause of contention within the United States Government for some time. This controversy seemingly capped when it was announced that a ban of the app would take place on January 19th, 2025. The app began to go dark on the night of January 18th, featuring variations of a message informing users that the app could not be accessed within the United States, but that a solution was on the way. Many patrons of the app were upset that they could no longer access one of their main sources of entertainment. However, the app was functioning once more in the afternoon of January 19th. This was met with excitement by users, but also confusion surrounding the future of the platform. 

Liz Mazzariello, a senior at West Virginia Wesleyan College, admitted to being worried about users of the app who make their living through their accounts. 

“When the TikTok ban was first talked about, I thought of how it would impact those who use it as their primary source of income. The impact of the TikTok ban would’ve been very hard on the 7 million small businesses within the United States that were on the app. The loss of revenue that these businesses would have suffered had the TikTok ban stayed would’ve been unimaginable,” Mazzariello said. 

Saint Petersburg College freshman, Isabella Yoho, remains suspicious of the motivations surrounding the ban. 

“To me, it felt like a publicity stunt for President Trump. I’m not saying that it was or wasn’t, but if it was, it would be a good way to increase his approval ratings with younger demographics. Delaying the ban has served as a way to make President Trump look better, especially to young people. I don’t think the ban was ever something to be taken seriously,” Yoho said. 

So what happens now? 

According to the BBC, President Trump signed an executive order that would extend the ban for 75 days. This would give the app’s owner’s time to sell as required by the initial ban. However, the app has still been limited, with app stores no longer allowed to offer the platform. Many users who deleted the app during the initial “black out” are unable to redownload the app. 

Lisa Kocher, J.D., a mother to two Gen-Z daughters, doesn’t appear to have a problem with the app. 

“As long as we take the proper safety precautions, I think our youth should be able to express themselves without fear of censorship. I think that the platform can provide a source of entertainment to its users, as well as opportunities to grow their communities. I know that I personally enjoyed watching videos on the app from time to time,” Kocher shared. 

Though the fate of the app is still up in the air, users continue to enjoy the short-form content while they are able to. We are curious to see what will happen to the platform in the coming weeks. 

TikTok ban screen – photo credit Kiara Woods