TikTok confirmed Sunday that it had restored service to users in the United States after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would reinstate the app’s access once he returns to power on Monday.
The announcement came after U.S. users were able to access TikTok’s website, though the mobile app appeared unavailable. TikTok stated it was “in agreement with our service providers” and was working to fully restore the app’s functionality.
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers,” TikTok said in a statement. “This will allow TikTok to continue providing services to over 170 million Americans and support more than 7 million small businesses across the country.”
The app had been temporarily suspended for its U.S. users on Saturday due to the implementation of a law set to take effect on Sunday, which aimed to ban the app on national security grounds. U.S. officials had expressed concerns that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could pose a risk to Americans’ data privacy.
In a statement, Trump said he would delay the enforcement of the ban and work to reach a deal to protect national security. He also indicated plans to ensure a 50% U.S. ownership stake in any joint venture involving TikTok.
Earlier, Trump had suggested that he would likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the shutdown once he takes office, a promise that was acknowledged by TikTok in a notification to users.
The shutdown of TikTok had significant implications for U.S.-China relations, the political landscape, the social media industry, and millions of U.S. users who rely on the app both culturally and economically.
