Since the United States banned TikTok on January 18, 2025, many users seeking to access the app have turned to VPNs as a potential workaround. However, users attempting to bypass the restriction with VPNs are encountering significant challenges and inconsistencies in accessing the platform.
The TikTok ban, implemented as part of legislation aimed at forcing the app's sale to a U.S. company, effectively blocked access to the app and its website for American users. U.S.-based accounts are also unable to function in other countries, and international accounts cannot be accessed from within the U.S. The legislation seeks to address national security concerns over data collection by ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company.
Many users hoped that VPNs, which can mask a user's location by connecting to remote servers, would provide a viable solution. The use of VPNs surged immediately after the ban as users sought ways to regain access to TikTok. However, reports from media outlets such as *The Washington Post* and *NBC News* indicate that popular VPN services like Mozilla, Mullvad, and NordVPN are failing to reliably bypass the restriction. Some users report being able to access TikTok temporarily or partially, but most face difficulties establishing a consistent connection to the app.
Some users have managed limited success using a VPN in conjunction with a web browser to appear as if they are signing up from another country. However, this method has proven inconsistent, with numerous failures reported. Experts speculate that TikTok may be using advanced measures such as blocking accounts linked to U.S. phone numbers or leveraging phone geolocation features to enforce the ban. Others suggest that bypassing the restriction may require both a VPN and a non-U.S. SIM card, as has been the case in countries like India, which have previously implemented TikTok bans.
The reliance on VPNs for bypassing restrictions also raises privacy concerns. Less reputable VPN services may collect and sell user data, potentially exposing users to further risks. While legitimate providers often emphasize privacy safeguards, the potential for misuse of user data remains a significant concern.
The ban stems from bipartisan legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in April 2024. The law mandated TikTok's sale to a U.S. company or a nationwide ban, citing concerns that the Chinese government could exploit the app to collect data from American users. TikTok has denied these allegations but faced mounting scrutiny over its ties to ByteDance and the Chinese government. The U.S. Supreme Court approved the ban on January 19, clearing the way for its implementation.
Despite the ban, there is hope for TikTok's return. Incoming President Donald Trump has indicated that he would consider extending the deadline for the app's sale, potentially allowing TikTok to remain operational for up to 90 days while negotiations continue. For now, however, U.S. users face limited alternatives for accessing the platform, and attempts to use VPNs have largely proven frustrating and unreliable.
