Experts Share: What Would The Potential US TikTok Ban Mean For The UK?

Lawmakers have alleged that TikTok’s Beijing-based owner might hand over user information to authorities in China, which has stirred national security fears. Officials claim there is a risk that sensitive data could be harvested, affecting vast numbers of American accounts. These warnings have been voiced for years, leading to action at the highest levels of government.

President Joe Biden approved legislation that orders ByteDance, TikTok’s parent corporation, to give up ownership of the social media platform. The rule states that ByteDance must organize a sale of TikTok to a new proprietor or face restrictions on American networks starting this month. Observers say such moves are rare, though ideas about controlling foreign-owned apps have appeared in past debates.

Legal arguments have erupted about privacy, free commerce, and the rights of TikTok enthusiasts. TikTok and ByteDance have questioned claims that the platform threatens American interests, noting that millions rely on it to connect, speak out, and share creative works. The Supreme Court will provide the final judgment on its legitimacy under U.S. law.

When Might The TikTok Ban Begin?

The planned ban could start on January 19. If ByteDance chooses not to part ways with TikTok before that day, digital marketplaces across the country must block new downloads of the app. This deadline looms, and many wonder how the courts will rule just before the ban date.

Oral arguments on TikTok’s request for a hold on the ban are planned for Friday, January 10. During this session, the Supreme Court will listen to reasons why the ban should be delayed or removed. Specialists point out that time is short because the inauguration of the next president happens on January 20, only one day after the scheduled deadline.

Some watchers anticipate that the incoming administration might take a different stance, which could shift the direction of the dispute. This transition has triggered questions about whether the ban will remain in place or be reevaluated. Uncertainty persists, as the fate of the app hinges on legal decisions still in progress.

What Will Happen To TikTok Users If The Ban Goes Into Effect?

Individuals who have never installed TikTok would no longer see it in the App Store or on Google Play. Those trying to set it up for the first time on January 19 or beyond would find no official download option. This would likely reduce the flow of fresh users, limiting exposure for creators who depend on viewer growth.

People who already have TikTok on their phones might see fewer security patches or performance improvements. Over a period, the app’s reliability could decline, and telecom providers could be told to cut or restrict direct traffic to TikTok’s servers. Such measures would steadily diminish the application’s usefulness.

Some enthusiasts have turned to VPN tools, which may let them appear outside the United States. Legal experts have noted that these methods create tricky questions about enforcement and feasibility. Nothing is certain, and participants await clarity from official sources.

How Are TikTok Content Creators And Employees Responding?

Entrepreneurs who promote products and services through short-form videos have voiced alarm. Many rely on TikTok clips to engage audiences, attract customers, and spark interest in their work. They are beginning to test other social media platforms to maintain ties with followers in case the ban is enforced.

Workers across TikTok’s American offices have concerns about possible payroll cuts. The company’s U.S. workforce numbers around 7,000. Their roles span moderation, engineering, partnership management, and other tasks, so a large-scale ban might lead to departmental changes.

Some fresh hires have encountered confusion after getting job offers at TikTok. They remain hopeful that the app will stay active, even as courts weigh the ban. At present, both current and future employees can only wait for an official verdict.

Could TikTok Be Sold Or Saved By Another Entity?

ByteDance has claimed it cannot sell the app, citing internal ownership factors and Chinese regulations tied to the technology behind TikTok. Though the statute passed last spring requires a transfer of American operations, the precise scope of that sale remains unclear. Failing to complete a deal before the deadline would mean a shutdown on U.S. platforms.

Businessman Frank McCourt has announced plans to acquire TikTok’s U.S. presence, asserting that he has gathered substantial backing from a group of financiers. Experts suspect that any takeover might exclude the prized recommendation engine. That key software is regarded as China’s property, which complicates any proposed sale.

Oracle’s situation might also change. The company currently hosts TikTok’s U.S. data and helps manage certain parts of the app’s technical framework. What Oracle, ByteDance, and TikTok decide to do will become evident as soon as the courts issue rulings and the ban deadline arrives.

What Will The Ban Do For The UK Market?

Experts have shared their views and thoughts on what they think the ban, if confirmed, would impact the UK. Here’s what they think…
 

Our Experts:

 
Damian Rollison, Director of Market Insights, SOCi
Thomas Walters, Europe CEO and co-founder, Billion Dollar Boy
Freddie Strange, co-founder, Komodo
Laura Staunton, Social Media Expert
Matthew Holman, Tech Partner, Cripps
Tom Stone, co-founder, re:act.
Michael Ryan, Founder and CEO, Ink Digital
Peter Marshall, Chief Marketing Officer, Add People
 

Damian Rollison, Director of Market Insights, SOCi

“If the Trump administration throws its support behind the TikTok ban, businesses, marketers, and users could face significant disruptions. With platforms like TikTok and Instagram now surpassing Google as the top search destinations for Gen Z, as highlighted by SOCi’s Consumer Behavior Index (CBI), marketers would lose a key channel for engaging younger audiences.

“Small businesses, which have relied on TikTok’s unique format to creatively promote products, would need to quickly pivot to alternatives like Instagram or YouTube Shorts. Established brands may also feel the impact, losing an essential platform for reaching younger consumers and potentially affecting long-term brand perception and market share. However, if the Trump administration finds a way to dismantle the ban, concerns around data privacy and national security may be reignited, possibly leading to new regulatory challenges for businesses to navigate.”

Thomas Walters, Europe CEO and co-founder, Billion Dollar Boy

“We encourage UK creators to maintain activity on TikTok as it remains fully operational and effective for reaching audiences in the UK. However, UK creators with large US followings may eventually see a decline in US engagement as the effect of a ban slowly impacts the scale of US audiences – should it go ahead.

“While continuing to post as normal on TikTok, we do also recommend that creators post on other platforms and continue to build their audiences there, and many creators are already doing this. Regardless of any potential effect of a ban, having a strong presence across platforms is good business practice that can lead to new brand partnerships and more income streams.

“On the brand side, it’s a matter of reviewing current and upcoming TikTok spend targeting US audiences and seeing where they might be able to shift it if the ban goes into effect. It will likely be Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, but will depend on the audience they’re aiming to reach, the type of content that’s being produced and the strength of the contracted creators’ other profiles if it’s an influencer campaign.”
 

Freddie Strange, co-founder, Komodo

“Talk of a TikTok ban in the US is likely just that—talk. Whether through a U.S. acquisition or a legal workaround, the social and economic consequences of such a decision would be significant. The platform drove $15bn in revenue for small businesses in the US in 2023 – that’s a major shortfall.

“Yet, this news highlights a vital lesson: UK based creators must diversify. You can’t be putting all your eggs in one social basket as relying on one platform is risky—not just due to potential bans but because accounts can be hacked, deleted, or compromised in other ways. By building a presence across multiple platforms, creators can future-proof their income and safeguard their work in an unpredictable digital landscape.”

Laura Staunton, Social Media Expert

“A potential TikTok ban in the US wouldn’t just ripple across the Atlantic—it would create waves. TikTok isn’t just an entertainment platform; it’s a powerful discovery engine and an economic driver for creators, small businesses, and global brands.

“For creators, a ban could disrupt income streams and force them to diversify across other platforms, diluting their audience reach. Businesses relying on TikTok for brand visibility and sales—especially with the rise of TikTok Shop in the UK—could face setbacks in audience growth and revenue. Consumers, meanwhile, would lose access to one of the most engaging and personalised platforms for content discovery and social commerce.

“However, this isn’t just about TikTok—it’s a wake-up call for businesses and creators to future-proof their strategies, diversify their social media presence, and prioritize building community across multiple platforms. Dependency on one platform is a risk no brand can afford in 2025.”

Matthew Holman, Tech Partner, Cripps

“Many countries already have restrictions on government-user devices accessing TikTok, including the UK, Canada, France, Denmark, Netherlands and Norway. This ban essentially exists in 39 US states.
Some countries have gone a step further and banned TikTok entirely, the most notable being India. It is this sort of ban which could be coming into effect if passed by US law makers.

“Almost all bans stem from national security concerns regarding monitoring and access to data processed on the platform by the Chinese government. TikTok has repeatedly declined the Chinese government has access to the data processed on its platform.

“It will mean the US-based users of the social media platform will likely lose access to TikTok or have to find workarounds to bypass TikTok imposed restrictions.

“The ban is another challenge to the previously uninhibited global internet ecosystem. Two decades ago, social media platforms were born into a world where any company, based anywhere, could create a platform about almost anything – the most famous (Meta) did exactly that. Now social media companies wield as much wealth, power and influence as nation states and are also perceived as agents of the territory they are deemed to serve.

“A ban also feeds an isolationist agenda, in which increasing barriers to international relations, trade and tariff-free trade are the norm.

“TikTok is in the firing line for many governments, regulators, and courts. In April 2023 it was fined £12.7m by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office for multiple breaches of UK GDPR (which TikTok is appealing, likely to go before court this spring). The Irish data protection commission fined TikTok £296m (€345m) for breaches of GDPR across the EU and last February the EU commission is investigating breaches of the Digital Services Act by TikTok. Many of these legal complaints centre on allegations that TikTok has compromised the rights of children and minors, failing to have in place proper safeguarding rules and age verification checks.”

Tom Stone, co-founder, re:act.

“The potential US TikTok ban feels a bit like déjà vu – it’s been a recurring headline this past year. But even if it happens across the pond, it’s unlikely the UK will rush to follow suit. Our legal process moves slower, and any similar action here would take years, not months. Plus, ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) is prepared to drag this out in court, meaning delays are all but guaranteed in the US, let alone elsewhere.

“For UK creators and the industry, it’s more a case of “wait and see” than panic. TikTok remains a critical platform for consumer engagement, creative marketing, and cultural trends. A US ban may push creators to diversify onto Instagram or YouTube Shorts, but TikTok’s value is clear.

“For now, the UK is unlikely to react unless regulatory pressure builds – and that won’t be quick. This is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Michael Ryan, Founder and CEO, Ink Digital

“From an SEO and digital marketing perspective, a potential TikTok ban in the US could ripple through to the UK in a few key ways:

“Creators: TikTok has become a crucial platform for creators to build audiences and monetise their content. If it’s banned in the US, it may shake global confidence in the platform, prompting creators in the UK to diversify their efforts across other platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or even emerging platforms. From an SEO standpoint, we might see creators putting more focus on long-term assets like blogs or YouTube channels, which have stronger search visibility and longevity.

“Brands and Businesses: Many businesses have leaned into TikTok’s algorithm to drive organic growth and brand awareness. A ban might encourage businesses to reconsider their reliance on one platform and spread efforts across a mix of PPC, SEO, and content strategies to maintain stability.

“Consumers: UK consumers, especially younger demographics, might be influenced by US trends and start shifting their attention elsewhere. If TikTok loses its dominance, we could see search trends evolve as consumers seek alternative platforms or ways to consume short-form video content.

“This situation highlights the importance of a well-rounded digital strategy that isn’t overly reliant on any one channel—a principle we champion with our clients at Ink Digital.”
 

Peter Marshall, Chief Marketing Officer, Add People

 

 
“A TikTok ban in the US would have a huge impact on how anyone uses the platform regardless of where they are in the world. The US has the most TikTok users in the world and a lot of the memes and trends that spark the biggest engagement and virality come from US creators.

“With thousands fewer creators and innovators, it could seriously affect how engaging the app is and could lead to a drop in regular users in the UK as well. Additionally, many US creators could move over to alternative platforms like Instagram or Youtube so British businesses should make sure they’re creating content for a variety of platforms to hedge their bets.

“TikTok’s engagement is massively different to Instagram, with ads seeing an average conversion rate of 6% to Instagram’s 1.4%. If a US ban were to affect users and engagement in the UK, this could have a considerable impact on businesses starting to rely on the platform.

“On the other hand, a US ban could mean that engagement is more concentrated on a relevant audience which could be beneficial for businesses selling exclusively in the UK. With a smaller total audience, UK-relevant TikToks could see more cut-through with less competition but this might not have a direct business impact.”