On Sunday, TikTok went offline across the United States following a controversial ban upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday.

JUST IN – TikTok officially goes offline in the US. pic.twitter.com/QpJU97grSh

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 19, 2025

The decision supports a law passed in April, which received bipartisan backing due to concerns about potential Chinese government surveillance through the app.

President Joe Biden signed the law four years after former President Donald Trump’s failed attempt to ban the platform via executive order in 2020.

In his 2020 executive order, Trump stated that TikTok allowed “the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information — potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.”

At the time, his administration cited national security concerns related to the app’s Chinese ownership.

Although U.S. intelligence agencies have not disclosed specific evidence publicly, the bipartisan consensus among lawmakers and testimony from officials, including President Biden, suggests credible concerns about TikTok’s data practices.

Critics argue that the app’s algorithm and operations raise broader issues about misinformation and psychological manipulation.

Despite his earlier push to ban TikTok, Trump has recently embraced the platform.

Speaking in September, he declared, “I’m now a big star on TikTok,” expressing his intent to protect the app from being banned.

FOR ALL OF THOSE THAT WANT TO SAVE TIK TOK IN AMERICA, VOTE TRUMP! pic.twitter.com/fm6ySPwVtJ

— Trump Posts on 𝕏 (@trump_repost) September 4, 2024

Trump has reportedly established a relationship with Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok’s American division, and invited him to attend the inauguration if Trump is reelected in 2024.

Chew later credited Trump on TikTok for efforts to save the platform, highlighting their shared interests in keeping the app operational.

Mike Waltz, an incoming national security advisor to Trump, echoed this sentiment, stating on Thursday, “It’s been a great platform for him and his campaign to get his America First message out. We will put measures in place to keep TikTok from going dark.”

While the app’s surveillance risks have drawn legal and political scrutiny, TikTok’s role in spreading disinformation and emotional manipulation has also raised alarms.

The platform’s algorithm, which remains opaque, is designed to promote highly engaging content, often prioritizing sensational or divisive material.

Critics argue that this approach undermines public discourse, fuels conspiracy theories, and exacerbates cultural divisions.

TikTok has faced criticism for exploiting users’ emotions through curated content that amplifies both uplifting and devastating narratives.

Scaachi Koul, writing for Slate, described the app as a “time sink” that consumes hours while evoking strong emotional reactions.

She noted TikTok’s ability to showcase moments of human connection but questioned its long-term effects on users’ mental health and sense of community.

Derek Thompson, writing for The Atlantic, highlighted a growing trend on TikTok where users celebrate canceled plans as a form of relief from social obligations.

He expressed concern that this behavior reflects a broader societal shift toward isolation, facilitated by apps that provide superficial connections in place of deeper, real-world interactions.

As TikTok faces increasing scrutiny, its influence on American society and politics remains significant.

The platform’s ability to shape public opinion and disseminate information—both accurate and misleading—has made it a focal point for discussions about technology, governance, and free expression.

While Trump’s newfound support for the app underscores its utility as a campaign tool, critics continue to warn of the long-term consequences of its unregulated influence on users’ emotions and behavior.

The debate over TikTok highlights the challenges of balancing national security, free enterprise, and the societal impact of emerging technologies.

With the Supreme Court’s decision cementing the ban, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, as policymakers and citizens grapple with its complex legacy.