TikTok has restored its services in the US after President-elect Donald Trump delayed the implementation of a law banning the app on national security grounds, giving ByteDance more time to sell its US operations.
A Temporary Reprieve: TikTok Restores Service in US After Trump Pledge
On Saturday evening, TikTok stopped working for American users after a law banning it on national security grounds came into effect. However, just hours later, President-elect Donald Trump said he would delay the implementation of the law and allow more time to make a deal with TikTok.
As a result of Trump’s pledge, TikTok restored its services in the US. The app was unavailable for download in Apple and Google‘s stores but became functional again for existing users.
TikTok is widely popular among its millions of US users, and it has also proved valuable for American political campaigns to reach younger voters. However, a law passed last April requires the US version of the app to be removed from app stores and web-hosting services if its Chinese owner ByteDance does not sell its US operations.
The Background
The law was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday and went into effect on Sunday. It gives the sitting president authority to grant a 90-day extension if a viable sale is underway. However, it’s unclear what legal authority Trump will have to delay the implementation of this law.
A Change in Trump’s Stance
Trump had previously backed a ban of TikTok but has since professed a “warm spot” for the app. He has said that he hopes his administration can facilitate a deal to “save” the app.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration with a prime seating location. The company has stated its intention to work with Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the US.
Concerns and Uncertainty
Despite Trump’s pledge, some lawmakers remain opposed to the ban. Sen. Tom Cotton warned companies not to provide TikTok with the technical support it needs to function as it did before, citing potential liability under the law.
The on-and-off availability of TikTok has raised concerns about its impact on national security and free speech. The app’s ties to China have been a point of contention, with some experts warning that the algorithm used by the platform could be vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities.
A New Development
Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI submitted a proposal to ByteDance to create a new entity that merges Perplexity with TikTok’s US business. Other investors have also eyed TikTok, including Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary and Trump’s former treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin.
A Temporary Reprieve
For now, TikTok has restored its services in the US. However, the future of the app remains uncertain, with some lawmakers and administration officials warning about potential risks to national security and free speech.
