TikTok resumed its services in the US on Sunday following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to revive the platform upon taking office. Speaking at a rally, Trump emphasised TikTok’s importance to millions of Americans and pledged to broker a deal to ensure its continued availability. “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” he stated, hinting at a potential joint venture to oversee the short-video sharing platform, which boasts 170 million American users.
TikTok’s Come Back
TikTok confirmed the restoration of services just ahead of Trump’s inauguration and credited the president-elect with clarifying service providers. As per the latest updates from Reuters, users faced limited access to the app on Sunday, its full functionality and availability on US app stores is yet to start. TikTok extended gratitude to Trump for making a path forward, stating, ‘’TikTok is back in The US thanks to efforts taken by President Trump.’’
However, the latest development comes amidst a strained relationship between the US and China. The Chinese Embassy in the US has condemned the US for using state power to suppress TikTok, whereas Trump indicated plans to impose tariffs on China but remains hopeful for diplomatic ties.
TikTok halted operations for US users on late Saturday, because of national security law targeting its Chinese parent firm, ByteDance. Trump announced that he would delay the law’s enforcement, and facilitate negotiations to safeguard national security and make way for the return of TikTok. To address concerns regarding data privacy and foreign influence, Trump suggested a 50 percent US ownership in a joint venture.
Despite Trump’s drastic change from his stance on banning TikTok, opposition still prevails in his party. Senators like Pete Ricketts and Tom Cotton asserted that ByteDance should cut its ties with the Chinese government and adhere to the law. Meanwhile, speculation about TikTok’s future is still on, with reports that Perplexity AI and Elon Musk as potential buyers for its US operations.
Users, marketing firms, and small businesses are still waiting for clarity on the app’s long-term future in the US as TikTok restoration takes place.
(With inputs from Reuters)