TikTok has resumed services for its 170 million U.S. users after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would issue an executive order to delay the app’s ban when he takes office on 20th January.
On the evening of Saturday, 18th January, the Chinese-owned app became inaccessible to American users after a law banning it on national security grounds took effect.
Although Trump had previously supported a ban on TikTok, he pledged on Sunday to postpone the law’s implementation to allow more time for a potential deal. Following his announcement, TikTok began working to “restore service.”
Soon after, the app became operational again, displaying a message thanking Trump by name to its millions of users.
In a statement, TikTok expressed gratitude to the incoming president for “providing the necessary clarity and assurance,” and committed to working with him “on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration today.
On his own social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote on Sunday: “I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! 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.”
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, had previously disregarded a law requiring it to sell its U.S. operations to avoid a ban. This law was upheld by the Supreme Court on Friday and went into effect on Sunday.
It remains unclear what legal authority Trump will have to delay the implementation of an already-enforced law. However, it is expected that his administration will not enforce the ban if he issues an executive order.
