TikTok has stopped working in the United States, hours before a new law banning the platform was due to take effect.
A message in the app for US users said a law had been passed banning TikTok, meaning “you cannot use TikTok for now”, the BBC reported.
The video-sharing app was banned over concerns about its links to the Chinese government and has been given until January 19 to sell to an approved US buyer.
President Joe Biden said he would leave the matter to his successor, Donald Trump, who has said he will “most likely” grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve after taking office on Monday.
“The 90-day extension is something that will most likely be done because it’s appropriate,” Trump told NBC News on Saturday.
“If I decide to do it, I’ll probably announce it on Monday,” he added.
Users said the app was also removed from Apple’s and Google’s US app stores, and TikTok.com wasn’t showing videos.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,” said a message displayed after the ban took effect.
