Sun Jan 19 18:16:40 UTC 2025: ## TikTok Ban Proves VPN-Proof, Leaving US Users Locked Out
**Washington, D.C. —** The newly enacted U.S. ban on TikTok is proving more robust than anticipated, effectively thwarting attempts by American users to access the app via virtual private networks (VPNs). Multiple reports, including those from NBC News, confirm that VPNs – typically effective in circumventing online restrictions – are failing to bypass the ban.
While the precise technical methods employed by TikTok remain unclear, the company appears to have implemented measures beyond simple IP address blocking. Tests using U.S.-registered accounts and multiple VPNs consistently resulted in the same message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S…”
The ban’s effectiveness contrasts with previous situations, such as India’s TikTok ban, where VPNs proved successful. Speculation suggests TikTok may be blocking accounts linked to American phone numbers and associated devices. TikTok has yet to comment publicly.
Despite the ban’s success, several VPN apps saw a surge in popularity on Apple’s App Store Sunday, highlighting user attempts to circumvent the restrictions. Internet monitoring firm NetBlocks confirmed that the unavailability stems from TikTok itself, not broader internet service provider blocks.
The ban follows President Biden’s April signing of a law mandating TikTok’s divestment from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a U.S. ban. The ban, as anticipated, manifests as the removal of the app from Google and Apple’s app stores.
First Piper 