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Mobile Legends: Bang Bang banned in US due to TikTok connections

By Brian Allen

TikTok and many other apps went dark in the United States due to legislation banning them for security concerns.
TikTok and many other apps went dark in the United States due to legislation banning them for security concerns. / SOPA Images/GettyImages
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Most TikTok users were aware of the ongoing conflict between the United States government. Many have been having fun with it in social media posts, bidding farewell to their favorite Chinese spies or pretending to learn Chinese so they can use other apps. But most gamers had no idea the impending ban would affect them.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang players in the US suddenly found themselves caught up in the international intrigue when the app went dark early on January 19. Players trying to log in received this message instead:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is currently unavailable in the US. We deeply value our vibrant player community and are actively exploring possibilities to bring the game back in the future. In the meantime, you can continue to manage your account and download your game data on our official website."

The popular MOBA joins Marvel Snap, Lemon8, and CapCut among ByteDance-connected apps that are currently unavailable in the United States. Lemon8 and CapCut had been topics of concern for a while as the ban loomed, but the potential impact on the gaming space has gone largely undiscussed. Even Marvel Snap developer Second Dinner said the shutdown of the card battler took it by surprise.

In April, President Biden signed a law banning TikTok unless ByteDance sells it. The Supreme Court backed the federal government in this controversial dance. Donald Trump, who will take office January 29 is touting a 90-day lift of the ban. TikTok helped spread his campaign message to young voters, and he has expressed interest in working out some kind of compromise.