VPN interest rises amid US TikTok ban

In response to the TikTok restrictions in United States, there has been an increase in searches for virtual private networks (VPNs) on Google.

VPNs help users mask their locations, encrypt their internet activities, bypass location-based restrictions, and enhance privacy.

TikTok is no longer available in US app stores as of January 18.

This comes ahead of a legal ban that may impact its 170 million users in the country.

Recent TikTok developments

Timeline
18-Jan-2025 📰 TikTok CEO praises Trump for support amid looming ban TikTok CEO thanks Trump for app’s US operation Supreme Court upholds ban, TikTok faces Jan. 19 deadline
18-Jan-2025 🔒 TikTok, Shein, others sued over unlawful data transfers to China Noyb files complaints against six Chinese firms Claims unlawful EU user data transfers to China
18-Jan-2025 🚫 TikTok may halt US operations amid regulatory uncertainty TikTok may halt US operations on Jan. 19. Supreme Court upholds law banning the platform.
16-Jan-2025 🎉 TikTok CEO Chew said to attend Trump’s inauguration TikTok CEO to attend Trump’s inauguration. Chew invited to prominent seating area.
16-Jan-2025 🚫 TikTok may shut down in US on Sunday: sources TikTok may suspend app if US ban takes effect. Users can retrieve data before potential shutdown.

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