TikTok has resumed service following President Donald Trump’s decision to delay the ban on the app. The popular video-sharing platform, which was unavailable for over 12 hours, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it is “restoring service.”
On Sunday, Trump confirmed he would issue an executive order on Monday, the day of his inauguration, to extend the timeline before the law banning TikTok takes effect. The President also hinted at the possibility of U.S. ownership in the app and urged companies not to block TikTok in the interim.
Timeline of the TikTok Ban and Restoration
TikTok users started receiving a message late Saturday stating the app was unavailable. Service was restored by Sunday noon, accompanied by a “Welcome back!” message in the app. However, TikTok remains inaccessible for new downloads in Apple’s App Store and Google Play, as updates are no longer supported under the ban.
Apple has notified users that apps linked to ByteDance, including TikTok, can’t be redownloaded if deleted and won’t receive updates, which could affect functionality and security.
Why Was TikTok Banned?
TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has faced scrutiny for its data practices and potential ties to the Chinese government. U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about data security and the risk of propaganda dissemination. In 2024, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, mandating ByteDance divest TikTok by January 19, 2025.
TikTok and ByteDance filed an emergency injunction with the Supreme Court, arguing the ban violates free speech rights. The Court upheld the law, citing national security concerns.
What Comes Next?
Trump announced plans to grant ByteDance a 90-day extension to find a non-Chinese buyer for TikTok’s U.S. operations. He also floated the idea of a joint venture between the U.S. and TikTok’s new owners, allowing the U.S. to hold a 50% ownership stake.
While Congress initially supported the ban, some lawmakers have shifted positions, citing public backlash. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) stated, “We’re not against TikTok. We’re against its ownership by a company tied to the CCP.”
TikTok Alternatives
Amid uncertainty, other short-form video platforms have gained traction:
- Meta’s Instagram Reels and Facebook remain strong competitors.
- YouTube Shorts, owned by Alphabet, offers a similar experience.
- Snapchat Spotlight and China-based RedNote have also seen increased downloads. However, apps like RedNote could face future bans under the same legislation.
VPN apps have surged in popularity as users explore ways to bypass restrictions. Still, the long-term future of TikTok in the U.S. remains in flux as political negotiations continue.