NEW DELHI: President-elect Donald Trump has signed an executive order that allows TikTok to resume operations in the United States after a brief shutdown. The executive action, signed on January 20, 2025, extends the deadline for the app’s potential ban, providing additional time for negotiations aimed at addressing national security concerns.
The Chinese-owned social media platform, which boasts over 170 million American users, had been under scrutiny due to fears of data privacy risks tied to its connection with the Chinese government. Despite previous efforts by former President Trump to ban TikTok in 2020, the app has continued operating in the U.S., awaiting a final decision on its fate.
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In a statement following the shutdown, TikTok thanked President Trump for his efforts. “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties for providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” the statement read. “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.”
Trump, who has voiced his support for the platform, took to Truth Social to announce his intentions. “I would like the United States to have a 50 percent ownership position in a joint venture,” he wrote. “We need 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.”
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Speaking at a rally just hours before his inauguration, Trump stated, “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it.” He also emphasized that a joint venture between the U.S. and ByteDance would allow TikTok to continue operating in the country.
