Tag: Donald Trump

  • TikTok Returns to the US: Brand Thanks Trump for App Revival

    TikTok Returns to the US: Brand Thanks Trump for App Revival

    Just a day ago, TikTok was facing a ban in the United States, which would have affected over 170 million users. However, within 24 hours, this restriction was lifted. The company announced the news on X (previously known as Twitter) and expressed their appreciation to US President Donald Trump.

    TikTok’s Services Restored in the US

    In a tweet, TikTok, the popular social media platform, released an official statement thanking President Trump for his role in allowing the app to continue serving its 170 million American users. The government provided clarity and assured TikTok that there would be no penalties for operating in the country. This decision also benefits more than 7 million small businesses that rely on the platform to reach customers.

    TikTok emphasized that this represents a “strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship.” They expressed their willingness to collaborate with President Trump to find a long-term solution that secures TikTok’s presence in the United States. For those who might not know, the US Supreme Court had mandated a ban on the app unless it divested by January 19, 2025. This decision was met with backlash from many who argued it infringed on free speech and threatened democratic principles.

    A Lifeline for TikTok

    Donald Trump essentially served as the last chance for the company, and it appears negotiations have favored TikTok. The app resumed its services around 12 PM ET on Sunday, greeting users with a message that said, “Welcome Back!” while acknowledging Trump’s contribution to the restoration of its services. There haven’t been any new updates about ByteDance-related apps such as CapCut and Marvel Snap, so keep an eye out for more information.

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  • TikTok Stops US Operations Due to Federal Ban Impacting 170M Users

    TikTok Stops US Operations Due to Federal Ban Impacting 170M Users

    TikTok has been officially taken offline in the United States, following years of discussions and legal challenges. The federal ban came after Congress approved a law that requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations. As a result, the app is no longer available to its 170 million users in America.

    Users Encounter Access Issues

    When users try to access TikTok, they see a message stating: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S., which means the app is currently inaccessible.” This action has drawn criticism from advocates for free speech, who claim that prohibiting a platform as significant as TikTok goes against the principles of democracy. Pen America called the Supreme Court’s choice to uphold the law a concerning case of government overreach. At the same time, worries about potential data access by the Chinese government continue to be a key reason lawmakers support the ban.

    Possible Solutions Ahead

    The future of TikTok now rests with President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office on January 20. Trump has shown openness to negotiations and hinted at a possible 90-day extension that could lead to other solutions. One such solution might be the return of Project Texas, a $2 billion initiative aimed at protecting U.S. user data under the management of American firms like Oracle.

    On the other hand, new proposals are emerging. The start-up Perplexity AI has put forth a plan for a $50 billion merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations, while former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and others have shown interest as well. However, legal experts warn that federal laws restrict presidential authority, leaving TikTok’s destiny unclear.

    Impact on Social Media Landscape

    As competitors such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts attempt to take advantage of TikTok’s absence, the shutdown of the app in the U.S. could lead to a major change in the social media scene. The focus now shifts to the Trump administration to see if TikTok can make a comeback or if it will face a permanent ban.

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