🎥 TikTok’s Sudden Blackout
TikTok went dark Saturday night, 2 hrs before a U.S. ban.170M Americans lost access to the app, as servers shut down.The ban, upheld by the Supreme Court, blocks ByteDance ops.Apple & Google also pulled TikTok from their app stores.Lawmakers claim the app is a national security threat.Many influencers now face income loss as the app disappears.ByteDance called the shutdown "disappointing but necessary."
🇺🇸 Political Drama Intensifies
The ban stems from bipartisan law signed in April 2024.President-elect Trump may delay enforcement for 90 days.He aims to negotiate a solution with ByteDance or new owners.Trump called TikTok a “big issue” needing a careful approach.ByteDance CEO met Trump to discuss the app’s future.Pressure from both parties complicates a long-term decision.
💡 Perplexity AI Steps In
AI startup Perplexity bid to merge with TikTok on Saturday.The merger would keep ByteDance investors & add AI features.Perplexity ended 2024 with a $9B valuation amid AI growth.The deal, worth $50B+, may resolve TikTok’s legal troubles.CEO Shou Chew thanked Trump for supporting a potential fix.The plan hinges on swift government approval & negotiations.
🌐 TikTok’s Global Impact
TikTok’s absence affects U.S. small businesses & creators.Alternative apps like Lemon8 rose in app store rankings.ByteDance’s stance: TikTok is too valuable to sell outright.Analysts expect TikTok to return under new ownership.Users await updates as Biden officials pass decisions to Trump.The saga highlights tech’s growing ties to geopolitics.
Can TikTok's merger save it or is a full ban inevitable?
