SINGAPORE: TikTok’s service in the United States was restored on Sunday (Jan 19) after the app initially went darkish in response to a federal ban – shutting out tens of millions of American customers.
The short-lived blackout, which began on Saturday night time, got here after the US Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok on nationwide safety grounds if its Chinese language guardian firm ByteDance doesn’t promote it.
Nevertheless, the app quickly flickered again to life and was on-line for US customers by Sunday afternoon.
It was all due to incoming President Donald Trump’s efforts, mentioned the social media platform, crediting the president-elect for the lifeline.
Trump, who beforehand backed a TikTok ban throughout his first time period, promised to challenge an government order as soon as he takes office, delaying the ban to permit time to “make a deal”.
It seems to be enterprise as standard for now for the wildly common app, however its continued survival is just not assured.
What’s subsequent for TikTok?
WHAT DID TRUMP DO?
The app appeared to wind down on Saturday, notifying US customers that it could be quickly unavailable.
“A legislation banning TikTok has been enacted within the US. Sadly, which means you may’t use TikTok for now. We’re lucky that President Trump has indicated that he’ll work with us on an answer to reinstate TikTok as soon as he takes workplace. Please keep tuned,” it mentioned in a discover to customers.
Apple and Google additionally eliminated the app from their digital shops, with the businesses responsible for penalties of as much as US$5,000 per consumer if the app is accessed. Oracle, which hosts TikTok’s servers, was additionally legally obligated to implement the ban.
Amid the dismay, Trump got here to the rescue by promising to challenge an government order delaying the ban by granting a 90-day extension.
The legislation permits for a delay of the ban if the White Home can present progress towards a viable deal.
“I’ll challenge an government order on Monday to increase the time frame earlier than the legislation’s prohibitions take impact, in order that we will make a deal to guard our nationwide safety,” Trump mentioned on his Fact Social platform.
