Just a mere few hours after ByteDance’s abrupt suspension of TikTok in the United States, the company has announced its comeback. In a message shared on X, TikTok declared, “In collaboration with our service providers, we are actively working on reinstating our services.” The platform also expressed gratitude towards Trump, who is set to take office on Monday and previously suggested he may grant TikTok an extension while reports of interested bidders circulate (despite ByteDance’s disinterest in selling). “We look forward to collaborating with President Trump to devise a sustainable solution that ensures TikTok remains operational in the United States,” stated the company.
As I write this article, I find that my TikTok app is functioning again after earlier receiving notifications that indicated it was temporarily unavailable. What an excruciating — glances at watch — 12-hour period without access! However, it appears TikTok hasn’t yet returned to either the App Store or Google Play Store; thus users who deleted the app will need to hold on for additional time before downloading it again. CapCut, another application impacted by the suspension, remains inaccessible as well.
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TikTok has communicated: “In partnership with our service providers, we are taking steps towards restoring service. We appreciate President Trump’s support in providing clarity and confidence to our partners that they won’t incur penalties for offering TikTok services.”
The legal restrictions intended for enforcement from January 19 were notably not upheld during Biden’s final moments as president. MSNBC reported over the weekend that White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed TikTok’s claims of potential shutdowns as merely “a stunt,” asserting no valid reasons for actions from companies before Trump’s inauguration on Monday existed. Nonetheless, according to TikTok officials, operations could not resume without guarantees against repercussions for their service providers.
This morning saw Trump adding his perspective via Truth Social: “I urge all companies not to allow a blackout of TikTok! On Monday I will sign an executive order extending the timeline before any prohibitions come into play so we can negotiate measures aimed at national security protection. This order will also ensure no company faces liability if they assist in keeping TikTok operational prior to my directive.”
Trump detailed ambiguously how he envisions a future involvement of U.S stakeholders within TikTok operations: “My vision includes establishing American ownership at 50% through a joint venture arrangement; this strategy ensures adequate oversight while preserving Twitch and maintaining its viability here.” Without American consent said applications would cease functioning effectively.
If you’re beginning to feel fatigued by this back-and-forth saga already—rest assured—as they say; we’re far from finished!