TikTok has resumed service in the United States after a brief, voluntary shutdown that followed the country’s Supreme Court upholding a “divest-or-ban” law. The company, owned by China’s ByteDance, announced on Sunday it is reinstating access for its 170 million American users.
The shutdown came ahead of a Jan. 19 deadline set by a bipartisan law passed last year, requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations. The Supreme Court ruled the law did not violate free speech rights, citing national security concerns over data collection practices and the platform’s ties to the Chinese government.
TikTok called the law “unconstitutional” and warned that a forced divestiture would fundamentally alter the app, including the loss of its recommendation algorithm. ByteDance voluntarily halted U.S. service late Saturday, leaving users with a message stating the app was unavailable due to legal restrictions.
President-elect Donald Trump has since pledged to delay enforcement of the law via executive order and explore a U.S.-controlled joint venture. “We’ll work to save TikTok, keep it in trusted hands, and protect its immense value,” Trump stated on social media.
The incoming Trump administration has expressed willingness to negotiate a resolution. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the goal of maintaining TikTok’s user experience while safeguarding Americans’ data.
Although international access to TikTok remains unaffected, U.S. companies like Apple and Google face potential penalties if the law is enforced. Analysts predict continued negotiations may hinge on satisfying bipartisan concerns about national security without dismantling the app’s user base.
ByteDance and TikTok have expressed a commitment to working with U.S. authorities on a long-term solution, with further announcements expected in the coming days.
