TikTok has restored access to its 170 million users in the United States after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would issue an executive order delaying a law banning the app.
The ban, which took effect on Sunday, January 18, was enforced on national security grounds after TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, failed to comply with a law requiring the sale of its US operations.
Trump, who had previously supported the ban, reversed his stance on Sunday, saying he would delay its implementation to allow more time for negotiations.
“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform.
TikTok, which had stopped working for US users on Saturday evening, began restoring services soon after Trump’s announcement.
In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to the incoming president, thanking him for “providing the necessary clarity and assurance.”
TikTok also pledged to work closely with Trump’s administration on a long-term solution to remain operational in the United States.
A message thanking Trump by name appeared as a popup to millions of TikTok users once the app was back online.
Meanwhile, TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration today, January 20, to further discussions on the app’s future in the country.
The Supreme Court had upheld the ban on Friday, making it legally binding as of Sunday. It remains unclear what legal authority Trump has to delay the implementation of a law already in effect. However, it is expected that his administration will not enforce the ban while negotiations are ongoing.