Popular short video platform TikTok published a reassuring message to its employees in the USA. The company announced that it will continue to pay salaries to its employees and keep its offices open even if the US Supreme Court does not cancel the law, which is expected to come into force on January 19.
In an internal memo obtained by Reuters and shared by TikTok executives, “Your well-being is our top priority. As our employees in the USA, your employment, wages and benefits are secure. “Our offices will remain open even if the situation is not resolved by the January 19 deadline.”
TikTok’s leadership team emphasized in the correspondence to their employees that they made plans for different scenarios and managed the process carefully.
TikTok stated that the law in question only affects the user experience in the USA and has no effect on the legal entities to which employees are affiliated. The company also stated that it has taken steps to protect the rights of more than 170 million users and 7,000 employees in the United States.
China-based ByteDance, the owner of the platform, announced that it continues to search for solutions to maintain the user experience, especially in the USA.
Last week, the US Supreme Court signaled that the law approved in April would remain valid. The law requires TikTok to either cease its operations in the US or be sold to a US company.
Donald Trump wants a “political solution” for TikTok
The law, which will come into force one day before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, will block new TikTok downloads. Existing users will be able to access the application for a while longer. However, due to the law, other companies will be prohibited from providing technical support to TikTok, and over time, the operation of the platform may stop completely.
Trump, who will take office as US President, requested time to seek a “political solution” regarding the law. However, it remains unclear how the process will proceed. Although it was said that the Chinese government wanted TikTok’s US operations to be transferred to Elon Musk, this claim was denied.