What will happen to TikTok on Apple and Google's app store on Sunday?
TikTok users in the US are expecting to close the app for good this weekend as a nationwide ban is due to come into effect. The social media platform has become a global trendsetter with 170 million Americans using the app.
But on Sunday, January 19, it is scheduled to shut down across the Atlantic amid national security concerns due to its company's links to China. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled in favour of the outright ban.
President Joe Biden said he would not enforce the ban for the remaining few hours he is in office. Instead, he will pass the buck onto Donald Trump, who will enter the White House on Monday - one day after the proposed ban.
Attention has also turned to tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Oracle, which currently offer TikTok on their app stores or host its data. So, what will happen on the app stores when the clock strikes midnight on Sunday?
READ MORE: TikTok US ban will see app 'go dark' on Sunday without Government action
If the law is executed, mobile app stores, as well as internet hosting services, are expected to remove the viral video-sharing app from their platforms within two days, according to reports.
If they continue offering TikTok to US users past the ByteDance's divestment deadline, they could be slapped with hefty fines. Byte is TikTok's Chinese parent company. Fines could climb up to $5,000 (around £4,000) per user.
Republican Senator Tom Cotton highlighted the potential financial risks on X on Thursday, warning: "Penalties for companies like Apple and Google could run as high as $850 billion".
While TikTok's app should remain accessible for current users, experts have indicated it won't receive updates, thus becoming unusable over time.
Apple, Google, and Oracle have remained silent on their TikTok strategies following this week's inquiries.
On Friday, Jeffrey Fisher, an attorney representing TikTok creators who are suing the government, sent a letter to President Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting clarification that "no app store, internet hosting service, or other provider faces any risk of enforcement or penalties with respect to TikTok, CapCut, or any other ByteDance apps, until such further guidance has been issued."
That same day, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled to uphold the federal law on the nationwide ban. In response, TikTok said "unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19."
Trump said he will make a "decision" on TikTok "in the not-too-distant future" after "reviewing the situation". He also mentioned that he had discussed TikTok in his recent conversation with Chinese leader Xi.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here .
