TikTok Is (Kind Of) Available in the US Again

Published on January 21, 2025

Snapshot: TikTok is partially operational again in the U.S., following a 20-hour blackout caused by the enforcement of the sell-off bill. The platform is accessible to existing users, thanks to Oracle continuing its hosting services. However, app stores like Apple and Google have declined to restore TikTok downloads, citing potential financial penalties for violating the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

Before the inauguration, President Trump pledged to extend the sell-off timeline and protect companies supporting TikTok, but legal uncertainties remain. While Oracle has complied, app store providers remain cautious, as the bill stipulates fines of $5,000 per user for violations. Trump’s assurances include a proposed deal for a U.S.-based joint venture, with the government potentially taking a 50% ownership stake.

This proposal has raised concerns about the precedent it sets for financial gains tied to security measures. Observers also speculate that other nations may adopt similar legislation, framing data protection as a revenue opportunity. Meanwhile, Trump is confident that TikTok’s U.S. presence will continue, positioning his administration as a savior of the platform.

For now, TikTok remains operational but not fully “back,” with its future hinging on legal clarifications and deal-making.

Full story: Social Media Today 

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