US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he will revive access to the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok in the US, just hours before his inauguration. The decision comes after the app was temporarily shut down on Saturday due to a national security law that prohibits its use.
Trump said he would issue an executive order to extend the time before the law takes effect, allowing TikTok to restore its services with a 50% American ownership stake in a joint venture. This move has sparked tension between Trump and two Republican senators who oppose the deal, citing concerns over national security.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, plans to attend the US presidential inauguration on Sunday, along with Trump. The app’s return is seen as a reversal of Trump’s stance from last year, when he aimed to ban the app due to concerns over data sharing between TikTok and the Chinese government.
The move also raises questions about US-China relations, with China accusing the US of using unfair state power to suppress TikTok. Trump has said he intends to place tariffs on China but hopes to have more direct contact with the country’s leader.
As a result of Trump’s efforts, TikTok is now back in the US, with some users able to access basic services through the app’s website. However, the app remains unavailable for download on US app stores as of Sunday evening.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-goes-dark-us-users-trump-says-save-tiktok-2025-01-19