Just over 12 hours after going dark, TikTok has resumed operations in the United States. The app’s restoration follows assurances from President Trump that service providers supporting TikTok would not face penalties.
TikTok’s Temporary Shutdown
On Saturday night, TikTok ceased functioning and was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play due to a pending law. This law, set to take effect Sunday, required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a U.S. ban. It also prohibited U.S. companies from distributing or maintaining the app.
TikTok cited the need for a “definitive statement” from U.S. officials to reassure its critical service providers, without which the app went offline. The outage threatened the app’s accessibility to over 170 million American users and the operations of more than 7 million small businesses.
Executive Action Restores TikTok
Earlier Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump announced an executive order delaying the ban. His statement emphasized the importance of TikTok’s continued availability, citing its role in showcasing the upcoming presidential inauguration on Monday. Trump assured service providers they would face no legal liability for maintaining TikTok’s operations before his order.
TikTok responded promptly, stating, “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service.” By early afternoon, TikTok had resumed functionality for many users, although it remained absent from app stores as of 1:05 p.m. Eastern.
Mixed Reactions to TikTok’s Return
Not all lawmakers supported the app’s reinstatement. Republican Senator Tom Cotton criticized the decision, warning that companies facilitating TikTok could face “hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability.”
Meanwhile, Trump proposed a long-term solution involving a joint venture between ByteDance, potential new owners, and the U.S. government. His initial vision includes granting the U.S. a 50% ownership stake in the app.
TikTok’s Commitment to a U.S. Presence
TikTok expressed its commitment to resolving the situation. “We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” the company stated.
What’s Next for TikTok?
With its services restored and negotiations underway, TikTok’s future in the U.S. hinges on achieving a permanent resolution that satisfies both governmental and corporate stakeholders.
