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TikTok, the app that has become a staple of modern entertainment, may soon disappear from U.S. app stores. Offering everything from viral dance challenges to social commentary, TikTok has captured the hearts of millions. But its future hangs in the balance since the TikTok ban is being deliberated by the Supreme Court.

The Court is interpreting the federal law that could sever TikTok’s ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or enforce a nationwide ban.

The app’s fate could be sealed by January 19, unless the Court intervenes. Here’s what’s at stake and how users can prepare for a potential TikTok ban.

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What Could Happen on January 19?

If the federal law is enforced, TikTok will no longer be available on Apple and Google app stores in the U.S., preventing new downloads. Current users will still have access to the app, but critical updates like bug fixes and security patches will cease. Over time, this lack of maintenance could make the app unworkable and vulnerable to security threats.

Lauren Hendry Parsons, communications director at ExpressVPN, suggests that users might turn to virtual private networks (VPNs) as a workaround. “With a VPN and some adjustments to phone settings, users could access app stores in other countries,” Parsons explains.

However, this strategy carries risks. Tech giants like Apple and Google might crack down on such activity to avoid legal issues, especially as they aim to maintain favorable relations with President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in saving TikTok.

Alternative Access and Security Concerns

Android users could attempt to sideload TikTok updates via third-party app stores. While this method bypasses mainstream app store restrictions, Justin Hurwitz, a telecommunications professor at the University of Pennsylvania, warns it could expose users to malware due to weaker security protocols.

Even if TikTok remains accessible through alternative means, significant challenges lie ahead. A lack of updates will inevitably degrade the app’s performance, raising concerns about privacy and data security.

The Supreme Court’s Role in the TikTok Ban

The Supreme Court heard arguments on the legality of the federal law on Friday.

Lawyers representing TikTok and its creators argued that banning the app would violate the free speech rights of its 170 million U.S. users.

A representative for TikTok creators emphasized, “They should have the right to work with the publishers of their choice.”