NEW YORK (BS): In a surprising turn of events, TikTok is now unavailable to users in the United States, and people are talking about ‘Did Meta buy TIK TOK’ thanks to a controversial law that forced the popular social media platform offline unless it cuts ties with its China-based owner, ByteDance.
When users attempted to access the app around 10:35 p.m. ET, they were met with a message stating: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
Along with the app being inaccessible, TikTok also disappeared from popular download platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, preventing new users from downloading the app and stalling crucial software updates.
This marks a significant moment in history, as it’s the first time the U.S. government has prohibited a widely used social media platform.
Despite this setback, the TikTok ban might not be permanent. President-elect Donald Trump recently announced that he plans to issue an executive order to pause the ban, giving TikTok a chance to separate itself from ByteDance.
Trump expressed this sentiment on his social media platform, Truth Social, encouraging companies to help reinstate TikTok quickly. However, legal experts are uncertain if such an extension is feasible given the law’s requirements.
The TikTok ban was upheld by the Supreme Court, which supported Congress’s decision to restrict the app. Lawmakers expressed fears that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be influenced by the Chinese government, thereby compromising users’ data.
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In a statement, Senator Tom Cotton mentioned that Trump lacks the authority to pause the ban under the law’s current framework, making it clear that TikTok can only resume operations after meeting the requirement of divesting from its Chinese parent company.
What’s Next for TikTok?
As discussions circulate about TikTok’s future, many users are left wondering if the app will ever return and if it might be under new ownership.
There have been rumors that billionaire businessman Frank McCourt, along with a group including Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary, submitted a proposal to buy TikTok.
This group claims to have gathered over $20 billion in investment commitments to facilitate the purchase. But, while these discussions are happening, the Chinese government might stand against any sale that includes TikTok’s highly valued algorithm.
The question everyone seems to be asking: Did Meta step in to buy TikTok? As of now, there haven’t been any official reports linking Meta to a potential purchase of TikTok, but it remains a hot topic.
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After all, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has shown interest in acquiring various social media platforms in the past.
While conversations about Meta buying TikTok swirl, Marc Andreessen, a well-known venture capitalist and board member at Meta, noted that any purchase would likely involve significant discussions with lawmakers to ensure compliance with national security concerns.
This begs the question: If Facebook were to acquire TikTok, how would they manage concerns over user data and security policies?
The Value of TikTok
TikTok’s valuation has skyrocketed in recent years, with some estimates placing its worth at over $100 billion, climbing to as much as $200 billion under ideal conditions.
However, if sold without its algorithm, the estimated value could drop to approximately $50 billion. The question of whether TikTok can proceed without its prized algorithm is a contentious issue between ByteDance and U.S. officials.
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Potential buyers’ interest in TikTok highlights the app’s vast reach and the unique connection it has with its audience. In 2025 alone, millions of users across the U.S. engaged daily with TikTok, emphasizing its cultural significance.
The platform’s video-sharing mechanism and creative outlet have drawn users from various backgrounds, making TikTok an attractive investment.
Free Speech Concerns
The TikTok ban has faced backlash from free speech advocates, criticizing the government’s decision as a form of censorship.
Groups such as PEN America have spoken out against the ban, stating that blocking access to foreign media reflects the repressive strategies of authoritarian governments.
Challenges to the ban are likely to arise, prompting conversations about the balance between national security and free speech rights.
Conclusion
As the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, users find themselves navigating a new landscape of uncertainty. Alongside this uncertainty lies curiosity over whether Meta will make a move to buy TikTok.
With ongoing discussions, legal challenges, and the potential for acquisitions, it’s clear that the story of TikTok is far from over.
The app’s fate remains poised between the desire for separation from ByteDance and the interests of potential buyers. Will TikTok come back? If it does, will it be under the ownership of Meta or perhaps another U.S. entity?
For now, all we can do is stay tuned and Watch how this interesting saga unfolds. While TikTok may currently be out of reach, discussions surrounding its acquisition and implications for social media are sure to keep both investors and users alike on the edge of their seats.