TikTok users in the United States can sigh relief as the popular video-sharing app has been brought back online just hours after it was shutdown. The sudden restoration followed ongoing negotiations, and a statement from TikTok thanked former President Donald Trump for providing clarity on the situation.
TikTok goes dark amid looming legal deadlines
On Saturday night, TikTok stopped functioning in the US and disappeared from the Apple App Store and Google Play. This came as a law that took effect on Sunday required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban. The law also prohibited American companies from distributing or updating the app, leaving TikTok in a precarious position.
With President-elect Joe Biden soon to take office, officials from the Trump administration and the Department of Justice decided to enforce the existing restrictions until a formal solution was reached. TikTok explained that service providers required definitive assurance to continue supporting the app, which resulted in the temporary shutdown.
President Trump steps in with executive action
On Sunday morning, former President Trump announced an executive order to delay the ban. He expressed his desire for TikTok to return quickly, stating, “Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday.” Trump assured service providers that they would face no penalties for supporting TikTok before the order.
This reassurance was enough for TikTok and its partners to begin restoring services. By mid-Sunday, the app was operational for many users, although it remained unavailable on major app stores as of 1:05 PM Eastern Time.
In response to the developments, TikTok said, “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 also expressed its commitment to working on a long-term solution to maintain its presence in the US.
Mixed reactions and plans
Not everyone was pleased with TikTok’s quick restoration. Senator Tom Cotton criticised the decision, warning that companies associated with TikTok could face significant legal and financial risks. He referred to the app as “communist-controlled” and cautioned against partnerships that might expose firms to “ruinous liability.”
Former President Trump suggested that his “initial thought” for a resolution might involve a joint venture between ByteDance, new investors, and the US government, with the latter holding a 50% stake. TikTok stated it is open to working with the administration on a sustainable plan that ensures the app’s future in the US market.
TikTok users and businesses dependent on the platform can continue creating and sharing content as discussions around a long-term solution progress.
