The popular video-sharing platform TikTok announced Sunday that it has started restoring service for U.S. users following a brief suspension of access late Saturday evening. The move follows assurances provided by President-elect Donald Trump to the service providers for TikTok that they would not face penalties for supporting the app.
TikTok has commented on X about the process in which they have agreed with the service providers on restoring services for their U.S. users, thanking President Trump for clarity: “Over 170 million Americans and 7 million small businesses continue to thrive on TikTok”. The company showed its interest in long-term work with Trump so that the fate of the TikTok ban in the United States could be secured.
TikTok Ban Temporarily Halted as Trump Intervenes
The short-lived service blackout occurred just before the law prohibiting TikTok in the United States was set to come into effect on Sunday. Signed by President Biden in April, the law compels the Chinese parent company of TikTok, ByteDance, to sell the platform to a non-Chinese buyer. Yet, Trump, who has campaigned in support of TikTok, said on Monday that he intends to sign an executive order that will grant a 90-day reprieve for the ban.
Trump also seemed to want TikTok to stay operational so he could televise his inauguration, which is on Monday. “I will sign an order that makes clear that no liability will attach to companies that assist TikTok prior to the effective date of my order,” he posted on Truth Social.
On Sunday, service restoration started in phases, first coming through on web browsers before spreading fully later during the day. However, the app is not available for download on Apple and Google app stores.
TikTok’s Future Remains Uncertain
While Trump’s extension provides ByteDance with temporary relief, it is still under pressure to sell TikTok to comply with U.S. regulations. The Republican leaders who include House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts said they would enforce the ban if ByteDance failed to sever ties with China.
TikTok reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the government, stating, “We aim to develop a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the U.S. while adhering to regulatory requirements.”
Whether TikTok’s parent company will agree to a sale or explore alternative ventures remains unclear, leaving the platform’s fate uncertain.
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