After a sudden and dramatic disruption, TikTok has begun restoring its service to millions of American users, just hours after blocking access. The video-sharing app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, had suspended its U.S. operations in anticipation of a law set to take effect on January 19, 2025. However, the intervention of President-elect Donald Trump, who assured the company’s service providers that they would not face penalties for keeping the app available, has led to a reversal in this decision.
“We are in the process of restoring service,” TikTok announced on Sunday in a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Thanks to President Trump, who clarified the legal situation for our service providers, TikTok is coming back online. Over 170 million Americans, including more than 7 million small businesses, will continue to thrive on our platform.” The company emphasized its commitment to working with the new administration to find a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the U.S. and upholds free expression.
The legal battle surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. began months ago, with the Biden administration backing legislation that would ban the app unless ByteDance sold its stake to a non-Chinese buyer. The law, which President Biden signed in April, set a deadline of January 19 for the ban to take effect. While the Biden administration had taken a hands-off approach to enforcing the ban, it was left to President Trump to navigate the legal gray area as he prepares for his inauguration.
The resolution came after Trump took to Truth Social, his social media platform, to announce his intention to issue an executive order on Monday that would grant TikTok a 90-day extension before the law’s prohibitions are enforced. He also promised that no company would be held liable for keeping the app operational during the transition period. “I will issue an executive order to give us time to negotiate a solution that ensures our national security while keeping TikTok running,” Trump wrote.
By Sunday afternoon, TikTok had partially restored its service, with some users gaining access through web browsers. For many, the app’s familiar interface reappeared with a welcoming message that read: “Welcome back! Thanks for your patience. TikTok is back in the U.S., thanks to President Trump’s efforts.”
However, the app remains unavailable for download on popular platforms such as Apple’s App Store and Google Play, leaving questions about its long-term availability in the U.S. unresolved.
The Uncertainty Surrounding TikTok’s Ownership
Despite the immediate restoration of service, TikTok’s future remains precarious. The law passed under President Biden requires that ByteDance sever all ties with the Chinese government or sell the company to a non-Chinese buyer. This provision has set the stage for potential legal battles, with some Republicans, including Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, calling for a full enforcement of the ban.
The situation became even more complicated when House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that he would support enforcing the law as written, saying, “I think we will enforce the law. President Trump’s post about ‘saving TikTok’ suggests he wants to find a way to ensure the app stays operational, but we still need to look at the ownership issue.”
The law also includes strict criteria for foreign ownership. Under its provisions, ByteDance would need to sell its stake in TikTok to a non-Chinese entity, a prospect that the company has shown little interest in. As part of Trump’s proposal, a joint venture between the U.S. and ByteDance, with the U.S. holding a 50% stake, has been discussed. However, the law imposes a 20% cap on foreign adversary ownership, which may present further challenges for ByteDance.
The Push for a Long-Term Solution
In light of the political and legal hurdles, TikTok has expressed optimism about finding a sustainable path forward. The company stated in its release: “We are committed to working with President Trump on a long-term solution that allows us to remain in the U.S. while addressing concerns related to national security.”
Trump’s potential executive order on Monday could grant TikTok a temporary reprieve, but the issue of ownership remains a thorny one. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has previously indicated that it is unwilling to sell the app, which could trigger further legal complications. For now, TikTok’s temporary restoration signals that negotiations are ongoing, but its future in the U.S. will depend on both political will and corporate maneuvering.
A Test Case for Digital Sovereignty and Free Speech
The TikTok saga is emblematic of the broader tensions between global tech giants and national governments. The app has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly among younger generations, with users flocking to the platform for everything from entertainment to business promotions. In its statement, TikTok also stressed the importance of free expression, calling its brief shutdown a challenge to the First Amendment rights of Americans.
“This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship,” the company wrote. “We will continue working toward a solution that benefits both our U.S. users and the global community.”
