TikTok announced on Sunday that it would be reinstating its services for US users, following a temporary blockage the previous evening.
According to a statement, the video-sharing platform was restored after President-elect Donald Trump provided the required assurances to TikTok’s service providers.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” TikTok said in a post on X.
“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.”
“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” the company added.
In a surprising turn of events, Trump took to Truth Social just hours before TikTok’s service blockage in the US, advocating for the platform to remain.
Earlier Sunday, as millions of dismayed users found themselves barred from the app, Trump promised to issue an executive order delaying the ban to allow time to “make a deal.”
Trump had previously mentioned that he would “most likely” grant TikTok a 90-day extension on Inauguration Day.
“I will issue an executive order on Monday 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. 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 wrote.
He also called in a post on his Truth Social platform for the United States to take part-ownership in TikTok.
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The president-elect said he “would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture,” arguing that the app’s value could surge to “hundreds of billions of dollars — maybe trillions.”
“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands,” wrote Trump, who had previously backed a TikTok ban and during his first term in office made moves towards one.
TikTok, which was back online in the United States by Sunday afternoon, did not address Trump’s call for part American ownership of the app.
A law banning the app was set to take effect Sunday, but it includes a provision allowing the president to grant a 90-day extension, provided certain conditions are met.
The law allows for a 90-day delay of the ban if the White House can show progress toward a viable deal, but so far ByteDance has flatly refused any sale.
The Biden administration said it would leave enforcement of the law to Trump.