How TikTok grew from an app for teens into a potential national security threat

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok beginning Jan. 19 unless it’s sold by ByteDance .

TikTok became the second -most downloaded app in the world, according to data from analytics firm SensorTower .

On April 24 , President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring TikTok parent to sell to a US . owner within a year or shut down.

President Joe Biden postpones the legal cases involving Trump ’s plan to ban TikTok , effectively bringing them to a halt.

Microsoft confirms it is exploring acquisition of TikTok ; Oracle and Walmart also make overtures.

TikTok sues the Trump administration for alleged violation of due process in its executive orders.

FBI Director Christopher Wray raises national security concerns about TikTok .

Jan. 17 , 2025 - The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok beginning unless it’s sold by its China -based parent company, holding that the risk to national security posed by its ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app. A ban is set to into effect on Jan. 19, 2025 ..