TikTok has started restoring access to its platform for users in the United States following a brief, voluntary shutdown that lasted less than a day.
The company announced on Sunday that it was working with its service providers to bring back the app. The move came after President-elect Donald Trump pledged to delay a ban on TikTok through an executive order on his first day in office.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” said the company in a statement. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK:
In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170…
— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025
The temporary shutdown occurred just hours before a Sunday deadline, cutting off millions of users. The Supreme Court had upheld a law passed last year that would ban TikTok due to concerns about its ties to China.
The law required ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its U.S. operations by January 19. ByteDance said a sale was not possible and challenged the law in court, but the Supreme Court unanimously rejected their appeal on Friday.
On Sunday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would take steps to save TikTok. He posted “SAVE TIKTOK” and promised to issue an executive order on Monday to extend the deadline. He also assured companies involved in supporting TikTok that they would not face penalties.
“Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations,” he said. “I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.”
This marks a significant shift in Trump’s stance on TikTok. During his first term, he pushed to ban the app, citing concerns about user data being shared with the Chinese government. Recently, however, he has praised TikTok, crediting the platform for helping him connect with young voters in the 2024 election.
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