TikTok Starts Working For US Users After Trump Promises To Stall A Ban

TikTok shut its services in the US after the Supreme Court upheld a law that effectively banned it over concerns about its ties to China. 

Trump had asked tech companies not to let TikTok "stay dark”.

Source : Unsplash

TikTok Ban In US: TikTok started working for users in the United States following a temporary and voluntary shutdown for less than 24 hours. TikTok said it was in the process of reinstating access after President-elect Donald Trump vowed to try to pause the ban by executive order on his first day in office.

"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 7 million small businesses to thrive," TikTok said in a statement. "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."

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

TikTok shut its services in the US after the Supreme Court upheld a law that effectively banned it over concerns about its ties to China. 

Don't Let TikTok Stay Dark: Trump To Tech Companies

Ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, Trump had asked tech companies not to let TikTok "stay dark” and declared that he would sign an executive order Monday to postpone the US ban.

"I am 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. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order," Trump posted on Truth Social. He added that he would like to see the US control 50% of the business in a joint venture.