TikTok’s final days in the US were counting down to zero. Long ago, it was announced the popular social media phenomenon was set to be banned in the United States. However, a last-minute change allows TikTok to work in the US again, and we know why.
President Joe Biden signed a bill in April 2024 that would end TikTok’s usability in the US. January 19 saw the ban finally take effect, and as Biden planned, TikTok was no longer allowed in the US. The change would impact millions of users, and content creators, and make wholesale changes to the social media landscape.
This was the plan until TikTok quickly came back online in the US. Many wonder how the app is online despite President Biden’s decree, so let’s explain.
Who Brought TikTok Back in The US?
Future president Donald Trump is the reason TikTok is back in the United States.
The former—and now forthcoming American leader—has made his TikTok thoughts clear. He doesn’t feel it should be banned and feels its profitability is too valuable to lose.
Why is TikTok Working Again?
On January 19, Donald Trump indicated he would declare an executive order on Monday, January 20, to “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect.”
Trump posted a stern statement on Truth Social, asking companies to “not let TikTok stay dark!” He also made clear his intentions for Tikok, and how the social media platform’s existence in the US would be saved.
“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,” said Trump in his post.
He adds that he wants the “United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture.” This will “save TikTok” and “keep it in good hands.” Trump has proposed a joint venture between the US and TikTok and believes it’s “worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions,” to the US.
Donald Trump officially becomes president again on January 20, and if the figure has his way, TikTok will likely remain online in the US for good. A joint venture allowing the US to benefit from TikTok seems to be better than no TikTok at all, and the turnaround could be a shrewd move and win over some of the United States public.
Is TikTok being active in the US a good thing? Or were you relieved to see the social media platform be taken offline? Drop some comments down below to have your say on TikTok in the US.
It’s not only TikTok that’s been hit by the ban. Marvel Snap was also down due to the TikTok Ban, along with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
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