TikTok is making a comeback for U.S. users after former President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to delay the federal ban on the app. The video-sharing platform, which had gone offline late Saturday night, began restoring service on Sunday, offering a lifeline to its 170 million American users and over 7 million small businesses that rely on the app.
Trump Intervenes Amid Rising Tensions
The ban was originally set to take effect Sunday after ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, failed to divest the platform to a non-Chinese entity as mandated by U.S. law. On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the law that would have penalized third-party service providers like Apple and Google for hosting TikTok.
However, Trump intervened, posting on Truth Social: “I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” He also promised to issue an executive order on Monday, shortly after his inauguration, to extend the timeline before the ban takes effect.
TikTok Resumes Operations
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok announced that service was being restored in agreement with its service providers. “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 allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” the company said.
TikTok also emphasized its commitment to free expression, describing the decision as “a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.” The platform stated its willingness to work with Trump on a long-term solution to maintain operations in the U.S.
Uncertain Future for TikTok
Despite the temporary reprieve, TikTok’s future remains uncertain under current U.S. law. ByteDance has consistently resisted calls to sell the company to a non-Chinese entity, leaving the platform’s operations in a precarious position.
Trump has previously suggested that a joint venture allowing the U.S. to hold 50% ownership in TikTok could be a viable solution. However, ByteDance has yet to indicate any willingness to pursue this option.
For now, TikTok users can breathe a sigh of relief as the app regains functionality. Whether this marks a turning point in the ongoing debate over data security, censorship, and international relations remains to be seen.
