We're back in business, and although TikTok officially went dark in the United States on January 19, it's mysteriously back as of January 20.
A tug of war over the short-form video platform continues, and although TikTok is currently back for its 170 million monthly U.S. users, we're not sure how long it will be there for.
Users were warned that TikTok would potentially be outlawed unless the Chinese-operated ByteDance sold its U.S. operations. Among the potential buyers were Elon Musk, Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, and even Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson. It came amid fears that the Chinese government could be spying on us with our data, and while officials revealed it was possible, there was no evidence to suggest it had happened.
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Still, the Supreme Court failed to listen to TikTok's pleas that a ban was in violation of the First Amendment, meaning the January 19 ban came and went. Trying to open the app in the USA led to a pop-up that read: "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now."
It comes after Donald Trump launched a last-minute bid to save the app. It's somewhat ironic considering Trump was vocal in championing the ban during his first term. Now, he's seen as TikTok's savior and is even being credited with its return.
Only 14 hours after TikTok went under and was also pulled from the Google and Apple app stores, it's now back and bolder than ever. When you open TikTok, American users are currently greeted by a message that says: "Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!"
In a new statement, TikTok said: "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 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive."
Trump has ridden in with promises of signing an executive order upturning the ban on his first day in office. He plans to delay the federal ban by up to 90 days and hopefully give TikTok enough time to find that all-important non-Chinese buyer.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he plans to "extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect," allowing the Trump administration to "make a deal to protect our national security." He also says his executive order will allow the likes of Google and Apple to keep TikTok on their stores without facing the legal ramifications of hosting it.
Speaking at a rally on January 19, the incoming POTUS defiantly told crowds: "Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it."
He's now pushing for at least 50% American ownership, although it's unclear whether China will bend the knee.
Discussing TikTok's future, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: "TikTok has operated in the U.S. for many years and is deeply loved by American users. We hope that the U.S. can earnestly listen to the voice of reason and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for firms operating there."
Things are getting increasingly fuzzy when it comes to the future of TikTok, but as Reuters reports, U.S. search engine startup Perplexity AI has submitted a bid to merge with TikTok U.S. and potentially save the popular app from its American demise.