The United States' federal ban on TikTok officially took effect Saturday, January 18, shuttering the popular video-sharing app at 10:30 p.m. ET. However, just 14 hours later, TikTok was back online, thanks to a promise from President-elect Donald J. Trump. Trump has vowed to sign an executive order upon his inauguration to temporarily restore the app's operations in the United States.
The relief for TikTok users may be short-lived. The plan outlined by the incoming administration requires ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, to sell a significant portion of its operations to a U.S.-based buyer to ensure the platform's continued presence in the country.
TikTok Resumes After Brief Shutdown
The highly anticipated ban on TikTok, rooted in concerns over national security and enacted under the Foreign Adversary Act, left more than 170 million American users without access to the app. Service providers, including Apple, Google, and Oracle, complied with the Supreme Court's directive to remove TikTok or face penalties for hosting the platform.
The shutdown proved to be temporary. TikTok resumed operations Sunday morning after the company received assurances from the incoming Trump administration, 9to5Mac reported. TikTok confirmed in a statement that "necessary clarity" and "assurances" were provided to service providers, enabling the app's restoration.
Trump's Plan for TikTok: Partial Sale Required
Although TikTok has resumed service, the app's future hinges on meeting a 90-day deadline to divest a portion of its U.S. operations to an American buyer. Under Trump's plan, ByteDance will retain a 50% stake in the platform, while the remaining half will be controlled by an as-yet-unnamed U.S. entity.
President-elect Trump is expected to sign the executive order immediately after his inauguration on Monday, January 20. The move will provide temporary reprieve but leaves the platform's long-term status in the United States uncertain.
Ban Reflects Ongoing Concerns
The U.S. government's designation of TikTok as a "Foreign Adversary" underscores ongoing concerns about data privacy and national security. Despite widespread public support for the app and lobbying efforts by TikTok to counter the ban, the judiciary and Congress have consistently pressed for action to mitigate potential risks.
TikTok's shutdown marked a significant milestone in its legal battle with U.S. authorities. The platform's return, facilitated by Trump's promise to halt penalties for service providers, reflects the complex interplay of political and economic interests surrounding the app's operations.
While TikTok's efforts to prevent the ban have been robust, they have thus far fallen short. The app's temporary restoration comes with the stipulation that ByteDance must divest a 50% ownership stake. For now, TikTok's 170 million American users can resume scrolling, but the clock is ticking for the company to secure its future in the United States.
