TikTok resumed its operations in the United States on Sunday, following a brief suspension the previous evening. The video-sharing platform announced its restoration of service in a statement, attributing the decision to assurances provided by President-elect Donald Trump to its service providers.
The company acknowledged the collaboration with its partners in restoring functionality, sharing an update on X.
“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 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.” TikTok further emphasized its commitment to working with the administration on a sustainable solution to maintain its presence in the U.S.
A Political and Legal Tug-of-War
The suspension occurred against the backdrop of legal and political complexities surrounding TikTok’s operation in the U.S. Hours before the app became inaccessible, Trump had taken to Truth Social to advocate for the platform’s availability, citing plans to use it for broadcasting his inauguration on Monday.
“I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,” Trump stated. He also assured that no liabilities would be imposed on companies aiding TikTok during this interim period.
Despite the announcement, TikTok users experienced restricted access on Sunday morning, with content only accessible via web browsers and the app remaining unavailable on Apple’s and Google’s app stores. The ban, initially set to take effect Sunday, allows the president to authorize a 90-day extension if specific conditions are met.
ByteDance’s Ownership Under Scrutiny
The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain due to legal requirements mandating its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership to a non-Chinese buyer. This stipulation, part of a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, adds another layer of complexity to TikTok’s continued operations.
ByteDance has resisted the idea of selling its stakes, and the law’s restrictions on foreign ownership further complicate potential resolutions. While Trump has suggested a joint venture with U.S. ownership capped at 50%, the law’s 20% limit on ownership by entities classified as “foreign adversaries” poses a significant barrier.
Shifting Stances from Leadership
The saga highlights shifting positions within U.S. leadership. While Trump had initially championed a TikTok ban during his first term, he later voiced support for the platform’s survival. Similarly, the Biden administration’s recent statement indicated that enforcement of the ban would be deferred to the Trump administration, despite the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday to uphold the law.
What Lies Ahead
Even with Trump’s promised executive order to extend the timeline, TikTok’s long-term viability in the U.S. hinges on resolving ownership concerns. The company reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the administration, expressing hopes for a lasting solution. However, with legal and legislative hurdles still in play, the fate of TikTok in America remains far from settled.
