TikTok resumes service in the U.S.
TikTok back in action in U.S. after Supreme Court ban
TikTok resumed its operations in the United States on Sunday, just hours after going dark in compliance with a Supreme Court-backed ban.
The app’s services were restored following assurances from President-elect Donald Trump, who vowed to issue an executive order granting TikTok more time to secure a U.S.-based buyer, reports Investing.com.
On Sunday morning, TikTok users were unable to access the platform after it complied with a Supreme Court ruling upholding a congressional ban on the app. The ban, driven by concerns over national security risks tied to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, initially left the platform’s future uncertain for its millions of American users.
By Sunday afternoon, TikTok began restoring access, greeting users with a message of gratitude to them and Trump for their support. Despite the restoration, the app remains unavailable on Apple and Google app stores for new downloads.
Trump, set to take office Monday, pledged to allow TikTok more time to negotiate a U.S.-based ownership deal, emphasizing that at least 50% of the company should remain under U.S. control.
Search for a Buyer Intensifies
The prospect of TikTok finding a U.S. buyer has drawn interest from several high-profile entities. Reports have named Tesla CEO Elon Musk and e-commerce giant Amazon as potential buyers. Additionally, an entrepreneur group led by Jesse Tinsley, potentially involving social media star Mr. Beast, is reportedly preparing a bid.
If TikTok were banned entirely, other social media platforms would stand to benefit significantly. Analysts from Deutsche Bank highlighted platforms like Snap Inc., Meta, Google, and Reddit as likely winners, absorbing migrating users. TikTok’s pioneering short-video format has already prompted competitors such as Instagram and YouTube to introduce similar features.
While public opinion strongly opposes a TikTok ban, analysts are sceptical that it will happen. Outgoing President Joe Biden softened his stance on the issue, and Trump’s intervention suggests the app may avoid a long-term shutdown.
TikTok’s swift restoration offers temporary relief for its users, though its future now depends on Trump’s executive action and the search for a viable U.S. buyer.
Meanwhile, TikTok is on the brink of shutting down operations in the United States after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests ownership.
