Are you wondering when TikTok is getting banned in 2025? The short-form video app, used by 170 million Americans, faces an uncertain future due to a U.S. law targeting its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Concerns over data privacy and national security have driven efforts to ban TikTok unless it’s sold to a U.S.-based owner.
This article explains the current status of the ban, key dates, and what’s at stake, all in a clear, straightforward way.
TikTok’s ban saga began with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), signed into law in April 2024.
The law set a January 19, 2025, deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a nationwide ban. While the app briefly went offline, executive orders have delayed enforcement.
Below, we outline the timeline, reasons for the ban, and what might happen next to help you stay informed.
Current Status of the TikTok Ban
As of June 24, 2025, TikTok remains active in the U.S. due to multiple extensions:
- January 19, 2025: The original ban deadline passed after the Supreme Court upheld PAFACA. TikTok went offline for 14 hours before service resumed, thanks to an executive order by President Donald Trump on January 20, delaying enforcement for 75 days until April 5, 2025.
- April 4, 2025: Trump signed another 75-day extension, pushing the deadline to June 19, 2025, to allow more time for a potential sale.
- June 19, 2025: A third 90-day extension was granted, setting the new deadline for September 17, 2025. TikTok remains available, but the ban looms if no sale is finalized.
The app is back on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store as of February 13, 2025, but its long-term fate depends on a sale.
Why Is TikTok Facing a Ban?
The U.S. government cites national security and data privacy concerns as reasons for the ban:
- Data Privacy: Lawmakers fear ByteDance could share TikTok’s user data with the Chinese government, which has laws requiring companies to assist in intelligence gathering. TikTok denies these claims, stating it stores U.S. data on Oracle servers.
- National Security: Officials worry TikTok could be used for espionage or to manipulate content, influencing U.S. users. A ascended concerns lack concrete evidence.
- Foreign Ownership: PAFACA labels TikTok a “foreign adversary controlled application” due to ByteDance’s Chinese ownership, requiring divestment to a U.S. entity.
These issues led to bipartisan support for PAFACA, passed in April 2024, with a 360-58 House vote and an 80-19 Senate vote.
What Happens If TikTok Isn’t Sold by September 17, 2025?
If ByteDance doesn’t sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by the deadline, the following could occur:
- App Store Removal: Apple and Google would remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing new downloads and updates.
- Service Shutdown: TikTok’s U.S. service providers, like Oracle, could stop supporting the app, rendering it unusable over time.
- Fines for Providers: Companies facilitating TikTok’s availability could face fines up to $5,000 per user.
- Workarounds: Users might access TikTok via VPNs or sideload the Android APK from TikTok’s website, but performance and security could degrade.
President Trump’s extensions indicate a push for a sale rather than a ban, but ByteDance and China’s reluctance to sell, especially the algorithm, complicates matters.
Potential Buyers and Sale Challenges
Several parties have expressed interest in buying TikTok’s U.S. operations:
- Oracle: A top contender, led by Trump ally Larry Ellison, previously attempted a deal in 2020.
- Microsoft, Amazon, Perplexity AI: Tech giants and startups have submitted bids, with Amazon joining recently.
- Consortiums: Groups led by Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, and Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) value TikTok at $20–100 billion, depending on whether the algorithm is included.
Challenges include:
- Algorithm Ownership: China opposes selling TikTok’s algorithm, which ByteDance considers critical. A deal without it may lower the app’s value.
- Chinese Approval: ByteDance needs Beijing’s consent, which is uncertain amid U.S.-China trade tensions, including Trump’s 34% tariffs on Chinese imports.
- Legal Limits: PAFACA allows only one 90-day extension with proof of sale progress, making Trump’s extensions legally questionable.
What Users Can Do
To prepare for a potential ban:
- Download Your Data: Go to Profile > Settings and Privacy > Account > Download Your Data to save your videos and profile info.
- Explore Alternatives: Apps like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Xiaohongshu (RedNote) offer similar short-form video features.
- Use a VPN: A VPN can bypass regional restrictions, but it may not guarantee full functionality.
- Stay Updated: Follow news on X or TikTok’s official channels for sale or ban updates.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2024 | PAFACA signed into law by President Biden, setting January 19, 2025 deadline. |
| January 17, 2025 | Supreme Court upholds PAFACA, rejecting TikTok’s free speech claims. |
| January 18–19, 2025 | TikTok goes offline for 14 hours; service restored after Trump’s pledge. |
| January 20, 2025 | Trump signs 75-day extension until April 5, 2025. |
| April 4, 2025 | Trump signs another 75-day extension until June 19, 2025. |
| June 19, 2025 | Trump signs 90-day extension until September 17, 2025. |
FAQ
Is TikTok banned right now?
No, TikTok is operational as of June 24, 2025, due to a 90-day extension until September 17, 2025.
Why is TikTok at risk of being banned?
The U.S. government cites national security and data privacy risks due to ByteDance’s Chinese ownership.
Can I still use TikTok after a ban?
Existing users may use it temporarily, but without updates, the app could become unusable. VPNs might help, but functionality isn’t guaranteed.
Who is trying to buy TikTok?
Oracle, Microsoft, Amazon, Perplexity AI, and consortiums led by Frank McCourt, Kevin O’Leary, and Jimmy Donaldson are interested.
What happens if ByteDance doesn’t sell TikTok?
TikTok could be removed from app stores, lose service provider support, and become inoperable in the U.S.