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?

  • modus@lemmy.worldOP
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    15
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 day ago

    So are American ISPs being forced to block TikTok’s server’s IPs?

    • adarza@lemmy.ca
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      20
      ·
      1 day ago

      afaik the legislation doesn’t include active blocking of a qualifying service’s (which includes tiktok by name, but is not limited to only it or bytedance) traffic…

      it only prohibits the distribution of their ‘apps’ (such as via google/apple ‘stores’)–this is the part that does most the heavy lifting, and hosting of their services within the u.s.

    • cm0002@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      14
      ·
      1 day ago

      No, US is not blocking it (there isn’t even infrastructure in place for such a request, we don’t have a “Great Firewall of China”)

      However, the VPN is required because reportedly TikTok themselves will stop allowing US based users to see content which is above and beyond what the law calls for

      • Randomgal@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        21 hours ago

        The firewall is the 3 megacorps that own all other ISPs. It just takes a phone call.

        • neomachino@lemmy.dbzer0.com
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          17 hours ago

          Good thing we live a country with plenty of good honorable ISPs. Xfinity, Verizon and uhh… What’s that other one that offers 10mbps for $200/m?

    • gens@programming.dev
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      19 hours ago

      It will probably be removed from DNS (and appstores). Google IANA , and DNS if you want to know more.

      PS Ofc the company itself will stop its services. It’s not like they want beef with a whole country (any, not just US).

      • gazter@aussie.zone
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        8 hours ago

        I’m not an expert. Removing it from DNS would stop anyone using that DNS from accessing it, right? So if I’m in Australia, using a US DNS, I wouldn’t be able to access it. And vice versa- Anyone in the US could just change their DNS to something outside the US.

    • Porto881@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      edit-2
      15 hours ago

      I dont think any ISP will be forced to given that both the current and next WH have said they won’t enforce a ban. If it goes dark, it’ll be TikTok themselves blocking access

      Edit: called it