TikTok has restored services in the United States, less than 24 hours after the app went dark.
In a statement to X, TikTok said they are in the process of restoring service and will work with President Donald Trump to ensure the app can permanently operate in the U.S.
“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 seven million small businesses to thrive,” the statement said.
“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.”
After previously leading the charge to ban TikTok during his first term as president in 2020, Trump has since had a change of heart and said he will work with TikTok to ensure the app can operate in the U.S.
“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,” he posted to Truth Social.
“The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.”
In his post to Truth Social, Trump said he would like the U.S. to have 50% ownership of TikTok.
“My initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose,” he said.
The app was set to be banned from 19 January 2025, unless it was bought out from ByteDance by an American owner.
Trump has worked alongside TikTok CEO, Shou Chen to ensure the app stays in the U.S. and is set to attend the incoming president's inauguration.
After TikTok returned from the dead, many rejoiced the app's return while others were more sceptical.
“TIKTOK IS BACK HELL YEAH,” X user @auguststurniolo posted.
“It appears they voluntarily went dark to maximise the drama of Trump’s incoming 90-day extension EO. It’s a political gift to him,” X user @AhmedBaba_ posted.
