TikTok announced on Sunday that it is resuming service for U.S. users after initially halting operations. The decision came after former President Donald Trump issued assurances to the platform’s service providers, ensuring they would face no penalties for supporting TikTok. The app, which serves over 170 million American users, had been removed from app stores as a law banning it loomed. However, Trump’s intervention offered temporary relief and a potential path to a longer-term solution.
In a statement, TikTok expressed gratitude to Trump for his role, framing the move as a defense of the First Amendment and a stand against arbitrary censorship. The company committed to collaborating with Trump to maintain its U.S. presence. Trump revealed plans to extend the enforcement deadline via executive order, providing time to negotiate terms that safeguard national security while avoiding service disruption.
STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK:
— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025
In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. 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…
The law in question, enacted under President Joe Biden in April, mandates that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, must sell to a non-Chinese buyer to avoid a permanent ban. ByteDance has resisted such a sale, complicating the platform’s future. The proposed solutions include a joint venture where U.S. entities would hold a 50% stake, though legal restrictions on foreign ownership present additional challenges.
Despite service restoration, TikTok’s availability remained partial as of Sunday afternoon, with full app functionality yet to return. The company stated it remains committed to exploring solutions that align with evolving regulations while preserving the platform for millions of American users and businesses.
