TikTok’s service will continue in the US, according to Trump
The ban on TikTok in the US only lasted for one day.
China-based social media site TikTok has returned from a one-day hiatus in the US after the incoming Trump administration confirmed it would not be penalized for restoring the service to US users.
Apple and other companies temporarily removed the TikTok app from its App Store in compliance with a law passed by Congress that bans the service in the US if the parent company does not find a US buyer by January 19.
The short-term ban affected many TikTok-related apps and services, including TikTok Studio, TikTok Shop Seller Center, CapCut, Lemon8, Hypic, Lark collaboration software, AI research companion Gauth, and the game Marvel Snap.
12:27 a.m. ET, TikTok posted a note We announce a quick comeback on X.com. “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is restoring service.”
The post indicated that TikTok will continue to work with the incoming administration to find a “long-term solution” to keep the service viable in the US. The post referred to the service’s legislative ban as “arbitrary censorship” and a reversal of a “strong stance” on the First Amendment.
Statement by TikTok on the restoration of service in the US.
When the ban went into effect, Apple had posted a bulletin about it support site explain how the original ban would work. According to the page, the company complied with the law and removed the app and related apps from the App Store.
Apple noted that users who already had the app on their mobile devices could continue using the apps as normal, but could not re-download or restore the app if it was deleted. Had the ban remained in place, users would not have been able to update the app, which would eventually render it inoperable.
The page also noted conditions for those temporarily visiting the United States from other countries. “Users visiting from outside the United States and whose Apple account is set to a country or region other than the United States will not be able to download, update, or make in-app purchases or new subscriptions to ByteDance Ltd.’s apps while in the country or the United States Maritime borders of the United States.”
It further noted that the full functionality of the TikTok app was restored when the user left the United States. It also provided users with a link to cancel their subscription.
As of 1:00 PM EST, Apple has yet to restore the TikTok app to its App Store. The company will likely wait to reinstate the app until the incoming administration or Congress legally lifts the ban.
TikTok, like other social services, is a frequent source of misinformation about Apple and Apple products, among others. In recent weeks AppleInsider has had to publish articles refuting claims from TikTok’s creators that AirDrop can be used to steal credit cards and that the Photos widget can tell you who last viewed your messages on iOS.
