Why TikTok is Back After One-Day US Ban

Why Is TikTok Back After Being Banned for One Day?

TikTok briefly went offline in the US over the weekend after the Supreme Court upheld a ban against its Chinese owner, ByteDance. The law, aimed at addressing national security concerns, was set to kick in on Sunday, but TikTok made a surprise comeback just a day later. The platform attributed its return to President-elect Donald Trump’s intervention, thanking him for his “efforts” to restore access.

But why did TikTok return, and what’s next for the app as it faces continued scrutiny?

Why Is TikTok Back?

On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok, citing concerns over the platform’s ties to China and its potential access to user data. By Saturday night, TikTok went dark, with a message informing users of the ban.

However, on Sunday, TikTok returned for users who already had the app installed. A message on the app read:
“Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the US!”

While the app is now functioning for existing users, it remains unavailable for download in app stores. Trump has suggested issuing an executive order on Monday to extend the ban deadline, providing time for ByteDance to find a US partner or sell part of the company.

Can Trump Overturn the Ban?

President-elect Trump has indicated he will issue an executive order to extend the deadline for the TikTok ban. This move would allow ByteDance to explore partnerships or sell a stake in the US version of TikTok.

Trump has proposed a 50% US ownership stake in TikTok through a joint venture, stating:
“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up.”

Another option for Trump could involve instructing the Department of Justice (DoJ) not to enforce the law, effectively rendering it redundant. However, this approach could create legal and ethical concerns for tech companies like Apple and Google, which would still be required to follow the law.

Who Could Buy TikTok?

ByteDance has resisted selling TikTok, but a ban might change that. Potential buyers include:

Elon Musk: Reports suggest Musk could be a contender, though ByteDance dismissed this as “pure fiction.”
Steven Mnuchin: Trump’s former Treasury Secretary has expressed interest.
Frank McCourt: The former Los Angeles Dodgers owner has reportedly secured $20 billion in verbal commitments for a potential bid.
MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson): The YouTuber joked about making a deal after being approached by billionaires.

ByteDance is yet to confirm if it will consider selling TikTok or partnering with a US-based entity.

What About TikTok’s Sister Apps?

While TikTok has returned, other ByteDance apps remain unavailable in the US. These include:

Lemon8: A Pinterest-style social media platform.
CapCut: A popular video editing app.
Marvel Snap: A digital card game, which even surprised its developers by going offline.

ByteDance has not provided updates on when these apps might return.

What Platforms Could TikTok Users Turn to Instead?

With TikTok’s future uncertain, rival platforms stand to gain:

Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts: Both are natural alternatives for short-form video content.
Twitch: Known for livestreaming, Twitch could attract TikTok’s content creators.
Xiaohongshu (RedNote): A Chinese-owned platform gaining traction in the US and UK.

According to Kelsey Chickering, an analyst at Forrester:
“Marketers have confirmed they’ll divert ad dollars to Meta and Google if TikTok is no longer an option.”

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for TikTok

TikTok’s brief ban has highlighted the challenges of balancing national security concerns with user demand. As Trump prepares to take office, his intervention could determine the platform’s future in the US.

For now, TikTok is back, but its long-term fate remains uncertain. Will a US buyer step in, or will Trump’s executive order provide a temporary reprieve?