'Result Of President Trump's Efforts, TikTok Back In US': Here's Why Ban On Chinese App Has Been Temporarily Lifted

TikTok began restoring its services in the United States on Sunday (19 January) after President-elect Donald Trump pledged to revive the app upon taking office on Monday (20 January). At a rally ahead of his inauguration, Trump declared, "Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it."

TikTok, which had ceased operations for American users on Saturday, issued a message to its users, stating, "As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the US."

The Chinese-owned platform also thanked Trump for "providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties (for) providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive."

The app’s suspension followed a law banning TikTok on national security grounds due to concerns about data misuse by its parent company, ByteDance.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington criticised America for using state power to suppress TikTok, vowing that "China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."

While TikTok's website became accessible for some users on Sunday, its app remained unavailable on American app stores. The ban also affected other ByteDance-owned platforms like CapCut and Lemon8.

Republican senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts opposed Trump's move, stating, "Now that the law has taken effect, there is no legal basis for any kind of 'extension' of its effective date." They emphasised ByteDance must sever ties with the Chinese government to comply with the law.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration and a rally. Reports suggest potential buyers, including Elon Musk and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, have shown interest in TikTok's America operations, which analysts value at $50 billion.