In less than a day since TikTok abruptly shutt down in the United States, leaving millions of users distraught, the popular social media platform has announced that it is in the process of restoring services and reinstating access.
On Sunday afternoon, TikTok’s Policy X account shared an update: “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service.” The post continued, “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. 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.”
The disruption began just hours before Sunday, when TikTok became unavailable in the US following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld a law effectively banning the platform due to concerns over its ties to China. Users attempting to access TikTok were met with a pop-up message stating: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.”
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.,” the message further stated. “Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!” Additionally, the app was removed from both the Apple and Google Play stores.
The shutdown followed a US Supreme Court ruling on Friday that upheld the legislation, which required TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app by January 19 or face removal from U.S. app stores and hosting services. TikTok challenged the law, arguing that a sale was not feasible, but their case was rejected by the Court in a unanimous decision.
On Sunday, incoming president Donald Trump responded with a social media post, pledging to restore TikTok. He first wrote, “SAVE TIKTOK,” followed by a promise to issue an executive order on Monday to extend the deadline before the law took effect. Trump further assured there would be no liability for companies that helped keep TikTok operational before the law was enforced. He added, “Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations.”
Trump concluded by stating, “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 stay up. Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars—maybe even trillions.”
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
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