TikTok Resumes Operations in the U.S. Ahead of Trump's Inauguration
The Chinese social media platform TikTok was banned in the US over security concerns.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - , which had been banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, resumed its services on Sunday, January 19. The platform's return followed a promise from elected President , who stated he would reinstate access to the app upon his inauguration on January 20.
"Honestly, there’s no other option; it has to be saved," Trump said at a rally on Sunday, Reuters reported. He added that the U.S. would seek a joint venture to restore the short-video-sharing app, which is used by 170 million Americans.
TikTok sent a message to its users hours before the inauguration protests, stating, "As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S." The company had earlier confirmed that users could access the platform again, although only with basic services.
As of Sunday night, TikTok was still unavailable for download in U.S. app stores. "In accordance with our agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring its services," the company said.
TikTok thanked Trump for providing the clarity and assurances needed for its users, noting that it would not face penalties for serving over 170 million Americans and supporting more than 7 million small businesses.
TikTok issued its statement a day before Trump’s inauguration, amid heightened U.S.-China tensions. Trump had also announced plans to impose tariffs on China but indicated he would engage directly with President Xi Jinping.
On Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the U.S. of using state power to pressure TikTok. "China will take all necessary steps to firmly protect its legitimate rights and interests," a spokesperson said.
ceased operations for U.S. users on Saturday night, just before a law halting the service took effect on Sunday, citing national security concerns. U.S. officials had warned of the risk of American data misuse under TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
stated he would extend the deadline for the legal ban to allow time for a deal that would protect national security, writing on Truth Social, "I want the U.S. to have a 50% stake in the joint venture."
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