Key Takeaways
From torrent sites to news outlets and streaming services, users have historically flocked to VPNs to circumvent geographic restrictions whenever governments ban certain digital platforms.
But in the case of TikTok, which briefly went dark for U.S.-based users on Sunday, Jan. 19, the internet’s traditional workaround may have met its match.
VPNs, short for virtual private networks, work by routing web traffic around a global network of servers, helping users obscure their original location.
This approach works for Chinese Facebook users or visitors to Wikipedia located in Iran. However, according to multiple user reports , attempts to circumvent TikTok’s U.S. firewall on Sunday largely failed.
Moreover, because TikTok requires users to follow the rules of the country in which they are located, users who get caught trying to skirt the restrictions face having their accounts suspended.
Although TikTok hasn’t confirmed how it is restricting access, VPNs’ inability to restore service suggests it isn’t solely relying on users’ IP addresses.
One possibility is that access was restricted for all accounts registered with a U.S. phone number.
Reports of users successfully logging on via a VPN using accounts registered elsewhere back up this theory.
On Sunday, American TikTok users attempting to use the app were met with a message stating:
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”
However, it added, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”
By the end of the day, with less than 24 hours until Trump’s inauguration, service had been restored for most users.
The speedy reversal suggests TikTok is confident that Trump will deliver on his promise to suspend the ban through an executive order.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans,” the company stated .
“We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” it added