President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to reverse the TikTok ban, pledging to extend the deadline for compliance and seek a deal to keep the app operational.
TikTok resumed operations in the United States just 12 hours after going offline, though for many users, it felt as if it had never been gone.
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“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 for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” the company posted a statement after the brief shutdown.
In a Truth Social post, Trump planned to issue an executive order delaying the enforcement of the ban.
“Americans deserve to see our exciting inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations,” Trump posted.
He also announced the intention to seek a 50-50 joint venture between TikTok’s existing parent company, Byte Dance.
“We also have that problem with other — you have that problem with Facebook and lots of other companies, too. I mean the information, they get plenty of information, and they deal with China, and they’ll do whatever China wants,” Trump said.
The ban, enacted under outgoing President Joe Biden over national security concerns tied to TikTok’s Chinese ownership, has faced backlash.
TikTok, which thanked Trump in a message to users, expressed optimism about the incoming administration’s support.
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,” the company posted in its pop-up message.
“Please stay tuned!”
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