TikTok has reassured its U.S. employees about job security ahead of the looming January 19 deadline for a potential ban or forced sale of the popular short-video app. In an internal memo reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday, the company’s leadership stressed that U.S. employees would continue to receive their pay and benefits even if the Supreme Court does not intervene in the legal proceedings.
TikTok’s Commitment to Employees Amid Uncertainty
The memo, addressing TikTok’s 7,000 U.S.-based workers, emphasized that the company’s leadership is focused on the well-being of its employees, confirming that both employment and offices would remain unaffected even if the law, which mandates a sale or ban of the app, takes effect. TikTok reaffirmed that operations, including employee pay, would remain stable regardless of the legal outcome by the January 19 deadline.
“We want to reinforce that as employees in the U.S., your employment, pay, and benefits are secure, and our offices will remain open,” the memo stated.
The Impact of the Pending Law
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court appeared to be inclined to uphold a law passed in April that could result in TikTok’s sale or ban. This law has raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers and President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to seek a “political resolution” once he assumes office. While the law primarily focuses on TikTok’s operations within the U.S. and its user experience, it could have far-reaching effects on the app’s future.
Potential Consequences of the January 19 Deadline
If the Supreme Court does not block the law before the January 19 deadline, new downloads of TikTok on platforms like Apple and Google would be prohibited. Existing users would still be able to access the app for a time, but as support from other companies is halted, TikTok’s services could eventually degrade and cease to function.
TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has maintained that it is doing everything possible to protect its users and employees while navigating this complex regulatory environment. The company remains in discussions to find solutions that would allow it to continue operating in the U.S.
