TikTok Restores Service in the US After Trump Intervention

President-elect Donald Trump pledges executive action to delay ban, outlines potential joint ownership plan

Washington, DC [US], January 20: TikTok has begun restoring its services across the United States, just days after the platform went offline due to a government ban. The move follows President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to delay the enforcement of the ban and work toward a long-term solution to keep the platform operational.

In a post on X, TikTok thanked Trump for his intervention:
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and supporting over 7 million small businesses.”

The company also reiterated its commitment to working with the incoming administration to address national security concerns tied to its operations.

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Trump’s Executive Action

President-elect Trump announced plans to issue an executive order granting TikTok a 90-day extension to avoid disruptions and negotiate a sustainable resolution.
“I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order to extend the period before the law’s prohibitions take effect so we can make a deal to protect national security,” Trump shared on Truth Social.

Trump also floated the idea of a joint venture, with the US government holding a 50% ownership stake to ensure the platform operates securely and remains a vital resource for millions of users and businesses.

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The TikTok Ban Explained

The app went offline on Saturday night after a law passed under the Biden administration prohibited US companies from supporting the platform unless it was sold to an American or allied company. Users attempting to access TikTok were met with a message:
“TikTok isn’t available right now due to a new law. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”

The ban stems from bipartisan concerns about national security, with lawmakers citing TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government and potential data privacy risks.

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What’s Next for TikTok?

Trump’s proposed delay offers TikTok a chance to negotiate a deal that satisfies security requirements. CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, suggesting potential discussions on the platform’s future.

ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has yet to indicate movement toward a sale. Meanwhile, lawmakers and industry analysts are urging expedited negotiations to secure the app’s fate in the US.

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Tags: TikTok Ban, US National Security, Donald Trump, ByteDance, TikTok Future, Social Media Regulation, US-China Relations

#Tags: #TikTokBan #DonaldTrump #SocialMedia #NationalSecurity #ByteDance