TikTok has announced that it is in the process of "restoring service" in the United States after shutting down its app for its 170 million US users. This move comes in response to a divest-or-ban law that the company is complying with. President-elect Donald Trump revealed that he will issue an executive order to delay a TikTok ban.
TikTok's Response
After temporarily turning off its app, TikTok is now gradually coming back online for US users, starting with web browsers and later through the mobile app. In a statement to Business Insider, TikTok mentioned, "In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service." The company expressed gratitude to President Trump for providing clarity and assurance to service providers, ensuring uninterrupted access to TikTok for over 170 million Americans and more than 7 million small businesses.
Trump's Executive Order
President-elect Donald Trump took to social media to announce his plans to issue an executive order to extend the time before the law's prohibitions take effect. He emphasized that there will be no liability for any company assisting in keeping TikTok operational. The company intends to collaborate with President Trump on a long-term solution to maintain TikTok's presence in the US. A message displayed on TikTok after the restoration mentioned that the app's return was made possible due to President Trump's efforts.
Legal Battle and Deadline
TikTok disabled its app for US users before the legally mandated deadline for ByteDance, the app's owner, to sell its US operations or cease activities in the country. Following this action, Apple and Google removed TikTok from their stores. The shutdown was a result of a prolonged legal dispute over the ban-or-divest law enacted by Congress. ByteDance has until January 19 to sell TikTok's US operations to comply with the law.
Deadline Notice to Users
As the deadline approached, a message appeared on the app informing users that TikTok was temporarily unavailable due to the enacted law. The message stated that President Trump has indicated willingness to collaborate on a solution to reinstate TikTok post his inauguration. Users were urged to stay updated for further developments.
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By: nrennolds@insider.com (Nathan Rennolds,Dan Whateley,Kenneth Niemeyer)
Title: TikTok Restoring Service in the US After Trump’s Executive Order Announcement
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-back-online-us-shutdown-biden-trump-media-app-2025-1
Published Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2025 19:14:13 +0000
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