After being offline for 14 hours in the U.S., TikTok reports that it is now working to restore its services. The company released a statement on social media saying:
With our service providers’ agreement, TikTok is in the process of reinstating service. We appreciate President Trump for providing the essential clarity and assurance to our service partners that they will not face any penalties for offering TikTok to over 170 million Americans, enabling more than 7 million small businesses to thrive.
This is a robust defense of the First Amendment and a stand against arbitrary censorship. We are committed to collaborating with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok operational in the United States.
TikTok went offline at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday due to the implementation of a federal ban. Subsequently, Apple removed the app from its App Store, stating it is “obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates.”
As previously explained, the enforcement of the federal TikTok ban falls on TikTok’s partners, such as Apple, Google, Oracle, among others. In its recent statement, TikTok mentions an “agreement” reached with these service providers.
The announcement from TikTok expresses gratitude towards President Trump for “providing the necessary clarity” to these partners, ensuring they would “face no penalties” for restoring access to the app.
This announcement follows President-elect Trump’s social media post indicating he will issue an executive order to “extend the time before the law’s prohibitions take effect.” This is likely the “necessary clarity” referenced in TikTok’s statement.
The future remains uncertain. Trump hinted at the potential of the U.S. holding “a 50% ownership position in a joint venture” related to TikTok:
I propose that the United States maintains a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. This way, we protect TikTok, ensure it is managed responsibly, and keep it operational. Without the approval of the U.S., TikTok cannot exist. Our endorsement could make it worth hundreds of billions, possibly even trillions.
Thus, my initial thought is to establish a joint venture involving the current or new owners so that the U.S. gains a 50% stake in a partnership between the U.S. and potential buyers of the platform.
As of 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, Apple has not yet commented on TikTok’s announcement, and the app remains unavailable in the App Store.
Stay tuned for further updates...
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