iWorld
TikTok Bids Farewell to US users amid ban and uncertainty; Trump throws lifeline
MUMBAI: The curtains have fallen on TikTok in the United States as the popular short-form video platform voluntarily shut down its service to users ahead of a sweeping legal ban. Upon attempting to log in, users are greeted with a stark message: ” A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. 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 office. Please stay tuned!”
This abrupt shutdown has left 170 million young users in the US in a state of disarray. TikTok has become a vital part of their daily lives, serving as a platform for creativity, self-expression, and social connection. Users have taken to social media to express their frustration and disbelief as they can no longer upload content or build their online presence on the app.
The US government has been vocal about its concerns regarding TikTok’s ties to China, citing national security risks due to the app’s ownership by Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lawmakers have long argued that TikTok must either be operated in the US by an American company or divested from its Chinese stakeholders. Congress set a firm deadline of 19 January, coinciding with the incoming presidency, for TikTok to comply with the law.
Despite TikTok’s efforts, a last-minute legal challenge to overturn the ban was thwarted when the Supreme Court ruled that the law does not infringe on the First Amendment. This left the company with no legal recourse. The Biden administration has deferred enforcement of the law to the incoming Trump administration, which has signaled a willingness to negotiate a solution.
President-elect Donald Trump indicated he might take action to extend the ban’s enforcement deadline. In a recent NBC News interview, he mentioned, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.” Under the law, the president can grant a one-time extension of up to 90 days regarding its implementation.
As of now, TikTok users who attempt to access the app will find it absent from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and users can only retrieve their data through a specific process. TikTok’s help section remains operational, but with the app effectively disabled, users are left hanging.
TikTok itself has criticised the Biden administration for its lack of clarity and assurance regarding the continuation of its services. The company remarked, “Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement… TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19.”
As uncertainty looms over TikTok’s future in the U.S., millions are left to wonder if they will ever reconnect with their app, or if this is truly the end of the line. The situation remains fluid, with potential developments hinging on the incoming administration’s actions in the coming days.
President Donald Trump later in the day thew the management of TikTok a lifeline later in the day saying he would be considering issuing an executive order giving TikTok 90 days to find itself an American partner. This came as a relief to its 170 million users in the US.
Said Trump on TruthSocial: “I am asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.
“Americans deserve to see our exciting inauguration on Momday, as well as other events and conversations.
“I would like the United States to have a 50 per cent stake in the joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.”
(Updated on 19 January 2025 at 10:30 pm)
iWorld
Prime Video and Hrithik Roshan reunite for quirky heist comedy Mess
HRX Films expands pact with quirky heist comedy set for production
MUMBAI: Prime Video is doubling down on its partnership with Hrithik Roshan, announcing a new comedy film Mess that promises chaos, chuckles and a clever twist on the classic heist.
Produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions, the film is being made in association with Soda Films Lab. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, Mess marks the second collaboration between the streaming platform and HRX Films after the upcoming thriller Storm.
At the heart of Mess lies an unusual premise. A group of robbers break into the home of a man with OCD, only to find themselves outmatched in a night-long standoff that flips the script on who is really in control. It is a set-up that blends tension with humour, turning a break-in into a breakdown of expectations.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok said, “A good story should surprise and entertain, and Mess does both with ease. It brings together a unique premise, memorable characters and a tone that keeps you laughing throughout.”
He added that the collaboration with HRX Films continues to grow stronger, with the new film reflecting a shared appetite for bold and original storytelling.
Hrithik Roshan said, “After Storm, Mess feels like a natural next step in our journey with Prime Video. The film captures the kind of unconventional storytelling we want to champion, with Rajesh bringing a distinctive voice to the narrative.”
Director Rajesh A Krishnan said, “The world of Mess is a mix of comedy and chaos, unusual enough to keep audiences on edge while still delivering humour. It has been a deeply collaborative and creatively fulfilling experience.”
The original screenplay comes from Paul Soter, with adaptation and dialogues by Kapil Sawant, adding another layer of craft to the film’s offbeat narrative.
As production gears up, Mess looks ready to live up to its name, serving up a delightful tangle of mayhem, mischief and movie magic for audiences in India and beyond.
