TikTok plans to shut down its app for users in the U.S. on Sunday after a federal ban on the app goes into effect. At the same time, the company's leadership, in an internal memo, tried to reassure its American employees, emphasizing that they will continue to be paid.
If TikTok is shut down for all US users, the effects will be different than what the law envisions. The federal ban, which takes effect on January 19, will prevent new users from downloading the TikTok app from Apple or Google's online stores.
However, existing users will still have access to it, although the services offered to them are expected to be gradually reduced and eventually discontinued, as other companies will be prohibited from supporting TikTok.