TikTok announced it is “in the process” of restoring service to U.S. users after the platform went dark due to a federal law mandating its China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations. The blackout began Saturday night but ended for some users after President-elect Donald Trump pledged to issue an executive order extending the deadline for compliance.
Why Was TikTok Banned?
The federal law, passed in April with bipartisan support, required ByteDance to sever ties with TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, citing national security concerns over the platform’s Chinese roots. Apple and Google removed TikTok from their app stores on Saturday, and the app became inaccessible to many users.
In a unanimous ruling Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law, prioritizing national security risks over concerns about free speech for TikTok’s 170 million American users.
Trump’s Executive Order
President-elect Trump announced plans to sign an executive order on his first day in office to extend the compliance deadline and provide clarity for companies involved. “Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
Trump suggested a 90-day extension for ByteDance to find a buyer and hinted at the possibility of U.S. ownership in a joint venture. “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up,” he wrote.
Current Status of TikTok
TikTok has thanked Trump for providing assurance to service providers, stating, “This ensures TikTok remains available to over 170 million Americans and supports 7 million small businesses.” While some users report partial functionality, the app remains unavailable for download on app stores, and in-app purchases are disabled.
Proposals for a Sale
ByteDance continues to face pressure to sell. Proposals include a merger with AI startup Perplexity or investor bids, such as a $20 billion offer from a consortium led by Kevin O’Leary and Frank McCourt. ByteDance has publicly resisted selling TikTok, citing concerns over its algorithm and data.
Criticism and Global Reaction
In China, political commentators have criticized the U.S. for suppressing TikTok, calling the ban “the darkest moment in internet development.” TikTok’s Chinese sibling, Douyin, continues to operate under strict censorship in China.
The ban has sparked debate over free speech, national security, and the future of TikTok’s operations in the U.S. Trump’s intervention signals a potential resolution, but the app’s fate remains uncertain as legal and political negotiations continue.