TikTok resumed operations in the United States on Sunday after briefly going offline due to a new law banning the app on national security grounds. The platform credited President-elect Donald Trump for facilitating the reversal just one day before his return to power on Monday.
The app had shut down late Saturday after its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, failed to meet a deadline to sell its U.S. subsidiary to non-Chinese buyers. Earlier Sunday, Trump promised to issue an executive order delaying the ban, citing the need to “make a deal.” He also suggested that the U.S. government take partial ownership of TikTok.
In a statement posted on X, TikTok confirmed it was “in the process of restoring service” and thanked Trump for providing “clarity and assurance” to its service providers, ensuring no penalties for continuing operations in the U.S. The platform, which boasts over 170 million American users, was back online by Sunday afternoon.
A Political Win for Trump?
Analysts, such as Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives, described the development as a “big win” for TikTok and a strategic move by Trump, likening it to “high-stakes poker between the U.S. and China.” At a rally in Washington on Sunday evening, Trump emphasized the importance of saving TikTok, citing the jobs and opportunities it creates. “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” he told supporters.
Despite Trump’s intervention, ByteDance has so far refused to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations, and the law governing the ban allows only a 90-day delay if a viable deal appears possible.
TikTok’s Ongoing Challenges
The Biden administration had earlier stated it would not enforce the ban but left its execution to Trump. The legislation has broad implications, including removing TikTok from app stores and requiring Apple, Google, and Oracle—TikTok’s server host—to block access or face significant penalties.
TikTok’s brief suspension also stirred international reactions. Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, praised the move, suggesting Europe should consider similar actions. At the Australian Open, tennis star Coco Gauff wrote “RIP TikTok USA” on a courtside camera, reflecting the app’s global reach and cultural impact.
Security and Controversy
While TikTok has garnered widespread popularity—from teenagers sharing dance videos to seniors offering cooking tips—its Chinese ownership has fueled concerns over data privacy and national security. These fears have prompted calls for stricter regulations globally.
The coming weeks will determine whether Trump’s intervention leads to a lasting resolution or if the app remains in jeopardy under ByteDance. (With AFP)