TikTok Restores Service in the US After Temporary Shutdown

TikTok briefly went offline in the US over the weekend but was quickly restored after a series of dramatic developments involving national security concerns and last-minute political decisions.

Temporary Shutdown Amid Legal Disputes

The app went dark late Saturday after a Supreme Court ruling upheld a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations by January 19. The law, signed in April, aims to address concerns about foreign influence and national security risks. Major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle were also required to cease hosting TikTok.

TikTok warned users it would shut down without further guidance from the government. However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the move as a publicity stunt.

Trump Intervenes to Delay Enforcement

On Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump announced he would extend the deadline for compliance by three months, allowing time for a potential deal to address security concerns. Trump proposed a joint venture where US-based owners would acquire 50% of TikTok, keeping the app operational while meeting legal requirements.

“We thank President Trump for providing clarity and ensuring TikTok remains available to over 170 million Americans,” the company said in a statement.

Political and Legal Challenges Continue

Despite Trump’s intervention, key lawmakers expressed skepticism. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Intelligence Chair Tom Cotton emphasized the need for full divestiture from ByteDance, rejecting partial US ownership as insufficient to comply with the law.

Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are working together on a solution.

TikTok’s Influence and Public Response

TikTok has previously rallied its massive user base to protest against regulatory actions. While this strategy initially backfired, some influencers are now calling on Trump to deliver on his campaign promises to save the app.

“This is a promise Trump made to young voters, and we expect him to follow through,” said TikTok creator Tiffany Cianci.

What’s Next for TikTok?

The app’s future remains uncertain as negotiations continue. With Trump’s inauguration set for Monday, the proposed joint venture could be a step toward resolving the legal standoff while addressing national security concerns.

For now, TikTok users can breathe a sigh of relief as the app resumes operations, but the debate over its ownership and influence is far from over.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here