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Update: Trump posted to Truth Social: “SAVE TIKTOK.

Trump announced he will sign an executive order Monday delaying the TikTok ban and called for the platform to be taken over by a joint venture with U.S. and current owners, also urging companies to prevent TikTok from “going dark” and vowing “no liability” for any tech firms that act before Monday (the law gives Trump the power to extend the ban for up to 90 days if ByteDance is making progress toward a sale).

STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK: (Via x)

“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.”

TikTok now greets users with a popup saying it is “working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible”—but the message no longer praises Trump for promising to “work with” the platform, after drawing some criticism.

TRUMP VIA TRUTH SOCIAL:

I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.

Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations.

I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture.  By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up.  Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok.  With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.

Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose.

My View: Could of this been a political stunt? who knows. It show’a the power of folks such as Trump, and also the state of censorship around the world, will be interesting to see whats to come!

Previous:

As of January 19, 2025, TikTok has been officially banned in the United States, marking a significant shift in the digital landscape for millions of users and content creators nationwide. This decision stems from escalating national security concerns regarding ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, and its potential connections to the Chinese government.

The Path to the Ban

The journey toward this ban began with the passage of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in April 2024. This legislation mandated that ByteDance divest its ownership of TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a complete prohibition of the app within the country. Despite extensive negotiations and legal challenges, ByteDance did not secure a sale of its U.S. assets, leading to the app’s shutdown.

Supreme Court Ruling

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court upheld the federal law enforcing the ban, emphasizing the government’s authority to act on national security concerns. This ruling solidified the legal foundation for the app’s removal from American app stores and devices.

Impact on Users and Creators

Industry and Cultural Repercussions

The prohibition of TikTok in the U.S. signifies a broader trend of increasing scrutiny over foreign-owned applications and their influence on national security and data privacy. This move may prompt other countries to reevaluate their policies regarding similar platforms. Additionally, the ban has cultural implications, as TikTok played a pivotal role in shaping online trends, music discovery, and social interactions. Notably, artist Kesha humorously reminded fans that her 2010 hit song “TiK ToK” would outlast the platform, highlighting the app’s influence on pop culture.

President-elect Donald Trump has voiced opposition to the ban, describing it as a misstep in balancing security and free expression. This marks a notable shift from his earlier threats to ban the app during his first administration, suggesting that Trump may explore options to revisit or even reverse the decision once he takes office later this month.

Looking Forward

As the digital community adjusts to this change, the situation remains dynamic. The incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump has expressed opposition to the ban, suggesting potential policy reversals or modifications in the near future. For now, users and creators are advised to stay informed and adapt to the evolving digital environment.

My View

I myself personally never used Tiktok, i mainly focussed on my website to promote my services, In my opinion, the TikTok ban is a significant turning point for both digital freedom and national security. While I understand the concerns about data privacy and foreign influence, the outright ban feels like a drastic step that impacts millions of users and creators who rely on the platform for entertainment, expression, and income. It raises questions about whether there were alternative solutions, such as stricter regulations or localized data storage, that could have addressed security concerns without shutting down an entire platform. As a content creator myself, I can empathize with the frustration many feel, and it’s clear this decision will leave a lasting mark on the digital landscape.