On a technical level, how is TikTok being blocked/banned in the US?

Can I still sideload the app to my phone? Is it only being banned from the two big app stores? Is there a penalty for being found in possession of the software on US soil?

  • iAmTheTot
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    12 hours ago

    I believe I read that the ban prohibited new downloads but wouldn’t stop existing users from continuing to use, however the parent company kinda put a middle finger up and said they would stop service in the US completely, probably by IP/geofencing? Take with grain of salt.

    • TriflingToad
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      4 hours ago

      Hmm. I’m gonna install it then never use it again lol

    • elgordino@fedia.io
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      12 hours ago

      Yeah. ByteDance, the owners, are choosing to block US users to kick up the maximum fuss possible. From my understanding they didn’t need to, they just risked withering away because there would be no new users.