TikTok stops working for US users, disappears from Apple, Google app stores [Video]

– TikTok went dark in the United States late on Jan 18 before a federal ban on the Chinese-owned short-video app took effect, cutting off access to the platform that has captivated nearly half of all Americans, fuelled small businesses and shaped online culture.

The app also disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Jan 19 requiring the shutdown of the app used by 170 million Americans.

US President-elect Donald Trump said earlier in the day he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Jan 20, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app.

“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes …