Around 9:30 AM Pacific Time on the 19th (1:30 AM Beijing Time on the 20th), TikTok released a statement on social media announcing that it had reached an agreement with internet service providers and was in the process of restoring its services. Currently, both the TikTok app and website have returned to normal usage.
In its statement, TikTok expressed gratitude to the incoming U.S. President Trump, stating that he had provided the necessary clarifications and assurances to TikTok’s internet service providers, preventing penalties for companies supporting TikTok’s operation. TikTok also mentioned that it would cooperate with the Trump administration to seek a long-term solution to maintain TikTok's operations in the U.S.
Previously, TikTok had suspended its service for U.S. users at 7:30 PM on the 18th (11:30 AM Beijing Time on the 19th). At the same time, several applications under TikTok’s parent company ByteDance also ceased operations in the U.S. American tech companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle, which support TikTok’s operations, also temporarily halted related services.
Earlier on the 19th, Trump posted on social media, urging companies to continue supporting TikTok’s operations. He announced that on the 20th, he would sign an executive order postponing the enforcement of a ban on TikTok unless sold, clarifying that companies assisting in TikTok's operations would not face legal liabilities before then. Trump stated that the executive order aims to gain more time to reach a long-term agreement balancing national security and market demands.
This ban stems from a bill signed by President Biden in April 2024, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company within 270 days, or TikTok would be banned in the U.S. after January 19, 2025. On the 17th of this month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the bill constitutional, allowing it to take effect as planned. The Biden administration subsequently announced that the responsibility for execution would fall to the incoming Trump administration.
Facing this situation, TikTok warned on the 17th that if the Biden administration didn’t issue a clear statement of non-liability, the platform would stop U.S. services on the 19th. With Trump's plan for a new executive order, TikTok's issues may see a temporary relief. TikTok expressed willingness to actively cooperate with the new government to provide continuous service to users while exploring long-term solutions that meet U.S. government requirements.
