TikTok US ban discussions took a surprising turn Sunday when the popular video-sharing platform announced it was restoring service to American users. This decision followed President-elect Donald Trump’s assurance to TikTok’s service providers, which lifted the immediate threat of penalties under newly approved legislation. The move comes after the app was removed from major app stores the previous evening, leaving millions of users in limbo.
In a statement shared on X, TikTok confirmed that it is in the process of restoring service in the United States. According to the company, the president’s pledge provided “the necessary clarity and assurance” so that service providers would not face legal liabilities for making TikTok accessible to over 170 million American users. The company also emphasized its willingness to work with Trump on a plan that would keep the app operational in the country.
STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK:
— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) January 19, 2025
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…
This marks another twist in the TikTok US ban saga. Just a day before, the platform was barred from both Apple’s and Google’s app stores, and users found themselves unable to download new copies. Service had been suspended for existing users as well, sparking widespread concern about censorship and potential violations of First Amendment rights. Trump had earlier stated he wanted to keep the platform active, especially to broadcast his inauguration on Monday. He also indicated plans to issue an executive order offering TikTok a reprieve for up to 90 days under certain conditions.
The new law, which was slated to take effect Sunday, includes a clause banning TikTok unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells the platform to a non-Chinese entity. President Joe Biden had signed this legislation in April, but enforcement fell to Trump after the Supreme Court cleared the path on Friday. Biden’s administration issued a statement saying it would not enforce the ban immediately, leaving the matter in Trump’s hands for now.
Despite this temporary reprieve, the TikTok US ban remains a real possibility. Even if Trump extends the deadline, ByteDance still faces mounting pressure to sell its U.S. operations or alter its ownership structure. Proposals for a joint venture where the U.S. government or local investors hold at least 50% have surfaced, yet legal hurdles persist. Under the law, foreign adversaries cannot retain more than 20% ownership, making any deal complex without congressional intervention.
TikTok has reiterated its determination to find a “long-term solution” that satisfies U.S. requirements. For now, users can once again access the platform’s short-form videos, while the future of the app in the United States hangs in the balance.
