TikTok Restores Service in the U.S - Tiktok is back

TikTok Restores Service in the U.S. After Trump Intervenes

TikTok announced that its platform is once again available to U.S. users following a temporary suspension on Saturday. This development came after President-elect Donald Trump provided the necessary clarity to the app’s service providers, ensuring they could resume operations without facing penalties.

"Together with our service providers, we are working to restore operations," TikTok stated in a post on X. "We’re grateful to President Trump for offering assurance and clarity, enabling TikTok to continue supporting over 170 million Americans and more than 7 million small businesses."

TikTok celebrated the move as a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. The company reiterated its dedication to working with the U.S. government to secure a lasting solution that keeps the app operational.

Trump's Commitment to Keep TikTok Running

Prior to the suspension, Trump voiced his support for TikTok via Truth Social, stating his intent to delay the enforcement of a law targeting the app. He promised an executive order to protect TikTok’s availability while ensuring national security concerns are addressed.

“I’ll be signing an executive order on Monday to extend the timeline before the ban takes effect. This will allow time for a resolution and protect companies that helped TikTok remain operational,” Trump wrote.

TikTok began restoring services Sunday afternoon, first through web browsers and later for some app users. In-app, users were greeted with the message:
"Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. With President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! Keep creating, sharing, and discovering the things you love."

However, the app remained unavailable on Apple and Google app stores.

Legal and Ownership Hurdles Ahead

Under current U.S. law, TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, must sell the app to a non-Chinese owner to maintain its U.S. presence. Signed into law by President Biden, this regulation aims to address national security concerns stemming from TikTok’s ownership ties to China.

While Trump initially called for a ban on TikTok during his first term, he has since shifted his stance. Speaking at a rally, he pledged to “save TikTok” and emphasized its importance to millions of Americans and small businesses.

Diverse Reactions and the Uncertain Future

Though TikTok's services have resumed, lawmakers remain divided. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed skepticism about Trump’s proposed extension, emphasizing the need for ByteDance to relinquish control of the app.

Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts reinforced this view, stating, "TikTok can only continue operating if it severs ties with China by meeting the law's divestiture requirements."

Despite ByteDance’s reluctance to sell, Trump has floated the idea of a joint venture in which the U.S. would own 50% of TikTok. However, this proposal conflicts with legal caps limiting foreign adversary ownership to 20%.

As TikTok navigates these legal and political challenges, its future in the U.S. remains uncertain.

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