TikTok announced it’s ‘in the process of restoring service’ in the US on Sunday.
TikTok has started to reemerge in the United States after a sudden shutdown that left millions of users unable to access the platform for about half a day. The company announced on Sunday afternoon that it is “in the process of restoring service” and thanked President-elect Donald Trump for providing the clarity needed to resume operations. Despite this progress, TikTok is not yet available in Apple’s App Store or Google Play, leaving uncertainty about its complete reinstatement.
A Temporary Shutdown and Gradual Restoration
The disruption began late Saturday night, when TikTok’s US users found themselves locked out of the app. A message displayed within the app indicated that services were “temporarily unavailable.” The shutdown came as a federal ban on the app was set to take effect, a culmination of months of political and legal battles over TikTok’s ownership and data practices.
By Sunday around 12 PM ET, TikTok began restoring service. US users logging back into the platform were greeted with a “Welcome back!” message that credited Trump with enabling the return. The message read, “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”
Behind TikTok’s Partial Return
TikTok’s hosting provider, Oracle, and its content delivery network (CDN) partner, Akamai, have resumed services for the platform, reportedly relying on assurances from Trump’s administration that they would not face penalties. NPR’s Bobby Allyn and The Washington Post’s Drew Harwell report that both companies are operating on Trump’s promise to extend TikTok’s timeline to secure a sale or restructure its ownership.
However, despite these developments, TikTok’s app remains absent from major app stores. Apple and Google have yet to reinstate the app, citing legal risks associated with violating the federal ban. Both companies currently display notices explaining TikTok’s unavailability when users search for it in their respective stores.
Uncertainty Surrounding App Store Reinstatement
The hesitation from Apple and Google underscores the ongoing complexities of TikTok’s legal and regulatory situation. Although the Biden administration has deferred immediate enforcement of the ban, leaving it to the incoming administration to decide its fate, the law remains technically in effect. Companies that defy the ban risk facing steep fines, creating a challenging environment for app store operators.
Impact on Advertisers and Users
TikTok appears optimistic about its return, despite the lingering challenges. In a memo sent to advertisers on Sunday afternoon, the company assured them that its service would soon “become available for the majority of U.S. users.” TikTok also announced plans to resume ad campaigns, albeit with “certain limitations” on live campaigns.
The platform’s partial restoration has provided some relief for its vast user base, which includes over 170 million Americans and 7 million small businesses. For many, TikTok’s return represents a victory for free expression and a stand against censorship, as highlighted in the company’s official statement.
A Controversial Extension and Ongoing Criticism
On Sunday morning, Trump announced plans to issue an executive order extending TikTok’s deadline to secure a sale or partnership. He proposed a joint venture model that would grant the U.S. government a 50% ownership stake. However, the proposal has faced backlash, particularly from Republican senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts.
In a joint statement, Cotton and Ricketts criticized the extension, arguing there is “no legal basis” to delay the ban’s effective date beyond January 19th. The senators also commended major tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft for adhering to the law by pulling TikTok from their platforms. Cotton further warned that companies aiding TikTok’s distribution could face “hundreds of billions of dollars” in fines from various entities.
TikTok’s Strategic Moves and Public Appeals
In the face of mounting pressure, TikTok has actively courted Trump’s favor. Over the weekend, TikTok CEO Shou Chew released a video directly addressing Trump, and the platform issued multiple statements crediting the president for facilitating its return. These efforts appear aimed at securing a last-minute reprieve and avoiding the app’s complete shutdown in the US.
What’s Next for TikTok and ByteDance?
The future of TikTok remains uncertain. The app’s partial return does not extend to other ByteDance-linked apps, such as CapCut and Marvel Snap, which remain inaccessible to US users. It is unclear whether these platforms will also benefit from the same assurances that have enabled TikTok’s return.
Meanwhile, TikTok’s ability to fully restore its presence hinges on overcoming legal and political hurdles. Until then, US users and advertisers will continue to face limitations, and the app’s long-term viability in the country remains in question.
TikTok’s Official Statement
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. 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.”
As the saga unfolds, all eyes are on TikTok, its service providers, and the incoming Biden administration to see how they will navigate the app’s uncertain future. For now, TikTok users can enjoy their platform—albeit with lingering questions about what lies ahead.
