TikTok Restores Service
TikTok is back online in the United States after shutting down briefly on Saturday night.
The company said it made this move after getting the go-ahead from President-elect Donald Trump, who assured TikTok’s service providers that they wouldn’t face any penalties.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok said, “We’re restoring service thanks to President Trump’s clarity and support. This lets us keep serving over 170 million Americans and supporting more than 7 million small businesses.”
For now, it looks like TikTok’s back in action, but its future in the U.S. is still uncertain.
Why TikTok Was Banned
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, was ordered to sell the app to a non-Chinese owner under a law signed by President Joe Biden last April.
If they didn’t, TikTok would be banned in the U.S. On Saturday, the app was removed from stores, and U.S. service was suspended.
Both the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration have since softened their positions on TikTok.
Trump, who previously pushed for a ban, is now backing its continued operation in the U.S.
Trump’s Role In The App’s Comeback
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, saying he wanted TikTok to stay up so people could use it to stream his inauguration on Monday.
He also promised to issue an executive order to delay the ban and protect the companies that helped keep TikTok running.
Here’s what Trump said:
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.
The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.
What’s Happening Now
As of Sunday afternoon, TikTok’s app still isn’t back on Apple and Google’s app stores, but users can access content through web browsers.
The platform is partially restored, but it’s unclear when everything will be fully up and running.
What’s Next?
Even with Trump’s promise of an extension, TikTok’s future in the U.S. is still up in the air.
The law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer, but ByteDance has shown no interest in selling.
Trump’s Joint Venture Idea
Trump suggested that TikTok could create a joint venture with 50% U.S. ownership.
However, there’s a catch: the law caps foreign ownership at 20% for companies considered controlled by foreign adversaries.
For this plan to work, Congress would need to change the law.
TikTok has said it’s committed to working with Trump to find a solution that keeps the app in the U.S.
What This Means for You
If you’re one of TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users or one of the 7 million businesses using it, the app’s return is good news—at least for now. But it’s smart to prepare for what might come next.
Tips For Businesses:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates about TikTok’s status.
- Be Flexible: Build your presence on other platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
- Engage Now: Use TikTok while it’s available to connect with your audience.
TikTok’s situation is a mix of politics, technology, and business.
While Trump’s actions have given the platform a temporary lifeline, its future depends on negotiations and possible changes to the law.
For now, users and businesses should make the most of TikTok while staying prepared for whatever happens next.
Lock In With Ice Cream Convos:
- Subscribe To Ice Cream Conversations on YouTube.
- Join Our Email List for more scoop, giveaways, and special events.
- Share this post on socials!
Discover more from Ice Cream Conversations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
