TikTok is Back Online: Is it Back for Good?
After what felt like a rollercoaster of worries, uncertainties and hurrying to find a safer alternative, TikTok is back online. 170 million users breathed a sigh of relief when they opened the app again and a notification popped, “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
President-Elect Trump: TikTok’s Savior
During his first term, Trump was also set to get the app banned. But now that the ban was implemented, he said he would issue an executive order after his inauguration to delay enforcement of the ban.
The company released a statement, as reported by CNN, “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 providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
Is TikTok Back for Good?
Reuters reported that Trump said he would “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.” Since the ban on the app will take effect if ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, Lemon8 (an app that’s considered to be an alternative and is described as a hybrid of Instagram and Pinterest) and CapCut (a popular app used to edit videos) will not be able to find an American buyer.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture.” However, according to NBC Chicago, it’s not possible since “The law includes a 20% cap for ‘foreign adversary’ owners, so it’s not immediately clear whether ByteDance could exceed that ownership share without a change in the law.”
TikTok on the App Store and Google Play
Even if the app is back online, according to Newsweek, the app is still not available to download for new users in the App Store or Google Play. When the app will be available for new users or those who have deleted the app is still unclear. Per Apple’s website, “Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.”
