PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With a looming deadline for TikTok's potential ban, many are left wondering what this could mean for the app's millions of users in the United States. TikTok currently faces a possible ban in the U.S. that could happen as soon as Sunday. A law requiring the platform's parent company to sell the app to an American company is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 19. MORE: Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok if it’s not sold by Chinese parent company Launched nearly a decade ago, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, amassing 1.69 billion monthly active users. A recent Pew Research Center study found that one-third of U.S. adults and most youth aged 13 to 17 use TikTok, with 52% of adults getting their news from the platform. With 170 million Americans primarily consuming news and entertainment online — often through TikTok, a Chinese-owned company — several U.S. politicians are concerned the nation's security could be in jeopardy. Calls to investigate the app began in 2019, and in the years since, several countries have banned it. In August 2020, former President Trump issued an executive order stating that Chinese-owned apps posed threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy and the economy. In recent years, the U.S. has taken repeated actions to address reported "national security concerns" about TikTok's ties to China, including recent legislation that could ban the app in the United States. The bill, officially named the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, states that as of Jan. 19, it will be "unlawful for companies in the United States to provide services to distribute, maintain or update the social media platform TikTok, unless U.S. operation of the platform is severed from Chinese control." Meanwhile, many have expressed strong frustration and opposition to the bill, stressing that America is not the type of country that bans apps. "Not a ban" Massachusetts U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss, a co-sponsor of the bill, said while freedom of speech is sacrosanct in the United States, defending TikTok on first-amendment grounds does not "pass the common sense test." "This platform is one of censorship and propaganda that is owned and controlled by the Chinese communist party," Auchincloss said. He said the U.S. has a "compelling national interest" in ensuring Americans are not consuming media through an algorithm and data custody practices that are answerable to Xi Jinping, whom he referred to as "our greatest adversary." "The bill is not a ban. The bill is a forced sale," Auchincloss said. He explained that the law intends to place TikTok's control and ownership under an American company answerable to the U.S. Congress. Will the app be erased from my phone? The fate of TikTok and its users will ultimately depend on President-elect Donald Trump's actions. Auchincloss said Trump legally has to enforce the ban on TikTok if it is not divested from its parent company ByteDance Ltd., a privately held parent company with operations in China, by Jan. 19. If the law goes into effect, it will be illegal for app stores in the U.S. to distribute or service the platform. This means it will no longer be available to download for Apple or Android users and inaccessible to those without it already on their phones. It is unclear what exactly will happen for those users who already have TikTok downloaded on their devices. Last week, a lawyer for TikTok told the court ByteDance could shut down the app for its United States users, essentially making it "go dark." Users will reportedly receive a notification saying it no longer works for them and can't be accessed. Courtesy: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images "There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community," the bill states. "But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary." Alternatively, Achincloss said Trump can offer one 90-day extension if he demonstrates progress toward a sale, saying, "he needs to come to Congress with evidence of that progress if he is not going to enforce the law." What's next for TikTok? In a post on Friday, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew personally thanked Trump for his "commitment to work with us" in finding a solution that would keep TikTok available in the U.S. "This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship," Chew said in the video. He emphasized that TikTok is a place where people create communities, discover new interests, and express themselves, including over 7 million American businesses that not only gain new customers, but earn a living through the platform. "We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a President who truly understands our platform," Chew added. " Rest assured we will do everything in our power to ensure or platform thrives as your online home for limitless creativity and discovery as well as a source of inspiration and joy for years to come." AHEAD: Former RI Gov. Raimondo offers a parting shot at Trump and advice for Democrats’ future Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW