TikTok went offline in the United States over the weekend after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. However, the app returned on Sunday with a message thanking incoming President Donald Trump for his “efforts” in restoring its service.
Ban and Swift Return
On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled to enforce a law passed by Congress that prohibits TikTok, citing concerns over national security. The law was intended to prevent China from potentially using TikTok to collect personal data from U.S. users. While the ban was scheduled to take effect on Sunday, TikTok briefly went dark the night before.
When users attempted to access TikTok on Saturday, they were met with a message stating, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately that means you can’t use TikTok for now.” However, by Sunday, the app was operational again, with a message reading: “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the US!”
While the app returned for existing users, it was still unavailable for download in U.S. app stores.
Trump’s Intervention
On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump voiced his support for the app, calling for it to remain operational. “I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!” he posted. He also announced plans to issue an executive order that would delay the TikTok ban to allow time for a potential deal that would protect U.S. national security.
Trump’s executive order could give ByteDance a chance to find a U.S.-based partner to purchase a 50% stake in the company, which Trump believes would allow TikTok to stay online while mitigating national security risks. “By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up,” Trump said.
The Potential for a Sale
ByteDance has long resisted selling TikTok, but following the U.S. ban, the possibility of a sale is gaining traction. Reportedly, billionaires, including Elon Musk, have expressed interest in purchasing the app, though TikTok has dismissed these claims as “pure fiction.”
Other potential buyers include former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and businessman Frank McCourt, who has previously secured $20 billion in commitments for a bid.
Impact on TikTok’s Competitors
While TikTok’s future remains uncertain, other platforms such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts stand to benefit from the potential shift. With 170 million U.S. users who spend an average of 51 minutes per day on TikTok, advertisers may redirect their budgets to these platforms. Twitch, a popular livestreaming site, could also see a rise in viewership, particularly from users who enjoy TikTok’s live streaming features.
As the situation unfolds, TikTok’s position in the U.S. market remains in limbo, with ongoing debate surrounding its ownership and future.
