The TikTok ban threatened a lot of livelihoods and many content creators would no doubt now vote for Donald Trump if they could go back to Election Day because there are reports he is solely responsible for its return.
The video streaming app welcomed its users back with a notification that said, “Thanks for your patience and support.” As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! The short but felt TikTok ban has sparked concerns and questions from most American users about why the ban happened in the first place. Here’s all we know.
Why Was TikTok Banned in the US?
The TikTok ban was a surprise for Americans even though the subject had been in the headlines for some time. The app became unusable for Americans late Saturday night with users who tried to open the app met with a message that said it was offline and that they should “stay tuned.”
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” TikTok’s message read in part. The experience was surreal for users, including stars, who often use it to connect with their fans.
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The app was also unavailable for download on the Apple and Google Play stores, along with Lemon8 and CapCut, which are also owned by TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance.
Early on Sunday, Trump promised to issue an executive order after his Monday inauguration to delay enforcement of the law. Hours later, access to TikTok’s app and web page began to return for US users.
Will TikTok Be Getting Banned Again in the US?
That remains to be seen. However, Donald Trump, the now-incumbent president, has adopted a more friendly stance and is unlikely to ban it. After weeks of uncertainty, the TikTok ban getting lifted was welcome news for the app’s American users, which number in the millions and include those who use the app to find news, entertainment, or, in some cases, to make a living.
Experts also claim Trump will enjoy more political clout among users as he has been praised for bringing it back. In a statement midday Sunday, TikTok revealed that Trump’s promise to save the app was why it was able to restore US users’ access even before his expected executive order was signed.
“We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” TikTok has also promised. Their vow to work together makes it very unlikely the app is banned again but nobody knows for sure.
Trump’s Plans For TikTok
According to Trump’s statement on Sunday in a Truth Social post, he plans to issue an executive order after his inauguration to “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
He has urged TikTok’s partners to allow the app to be restored, saying, “The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.”
Trump said he was considering a 90-day extension in the ban. This would give him enough time to negotiate a deal to sell the app to a non-Chinese owner. The controversial politician has said he is leaning towards a 50-50 joint venture between TikTok’s existing parent company and a new American owner.
The TikTok ban happened because of a law passed with strong bipartisan support in Congress, which cited national security concerns. Trump’s message seems to have reassured TikTok’s technology partners to continue supporting the app. However, under the law, those companies could face penalties of up to $5,000 per user if it is enforced.
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Permanent Solutions To the TikTok Ban
The only permanent way to take care of the TikTok ban is reportedly to pass a new law reversing the old one, which won’t be easy since the existing bill had such broad bipartisan support in Congress.
Other than that, Trump’s idea of forcing a sale to an acceptable buyer is what will have to happen. However, ByteDance has long been adamant that it has no intention of selling. This makes the issue much more complicated. But users are breathing a sigh of relief that the app is functioning again, for now.
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