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TikTok has resumed operations for U.S. users after a temporary service disruption on Saturday night. The video-sharing platform credited President-elect Donald Trump for providing assurances to its service providers, enabling the restoration of access.
In a statement posted on X, TikTok announced, “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for offering the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers, ensuring they face no penalties for supporting TikTok’s availability to over 170 million Americans and helping more than 7 million small businesses thrive.”
TikTok emphasized the importance of free expression, stating, “This is a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will collaborate with President Trump on a long-term solution to keep TikTok operational in the United States.”
The restoration followed an unexpected move by Trump on Truth Social, where he advocated for the platform to remain accessible in the U.S., just hours before the disruption. Trump also hinted at granting TikTok a 90-day extension on Inauguration Day to address security concerns.
“I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the timeline before the law’s restrictions take effect. This will allow us to finalize a deal that safeguards national security while confirming no liability for companies that helped prevent TikTok’s shutdown,” Trump wrote.
Currently, TikTok remains unavailable for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The ban, which was set to take effect Sunday, includes a provision allowing a 90-day extension if specific conditions are met.
The legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, mandates TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to a non-Chinese buyer to avoid the ban.
The restriction has sparked widespread concern among TikTok users, with many voicing their frustration and disappointment on social media platforms.
