Over the weekend, TikTok went dark across the US after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership by ByteDance. However, the app made a surprise return a day later with a message crediting incoming President Donald Trump for its restoration. Here's what happened and what it means for TikTok's future.
Why Did TikTok Go Dark?
On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a congressional law banning TikTok, citing concerns over China's potential misuse of ByteDance to collect data from US users. The ban, designed to prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting personal data, was set to take effect on Sunday.
When the ban kicked in, TikTok users encountered a message stating:
"A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now."
However, by Sunday evening, the app resumed operations for existing users, accompanied by a message:
"Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump's efforts, TikTok is back in the US!"
Despite its return, TikTok remained unavailable for new downloads on app stores.
Trump’s Intervention and Possible Reprieve
On Truth Social, Trump addressed the situation, urging companies to keep TikTok operational and announcing plans to delay the ban through an executive order. He proposed giving ByteDance time to find a US partner to acquire 50% of the company.
"I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up," Trump stated.
Another potential option could involve the Biden administration's approach of not enforcing the law. This would allow platforms like Apple and Google to continue hosting TikTok without repercussions, though this approach might raise legal and ethical concerns for the tech giants.
Could TikTok Be Sold?
ByteDance has previously resisted selling TikTok, but the recent ban may prompt reconsideration. Speculation around potential buyers has intensified, with Elon Musk being floated as a candidate—though TikTok dismissed the claim as unfounded.
Other interested parties include former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, businessman Frank McCourt, and even YouTube star MrBeast, who claimed to have billionaire investors willing to support a bid.
Impact on ByteDance’s Other Apps
While TikTok resumed operations for existing users, ByteDance’s other apps, such as Lemon8, CapCut, and Marvel Snap, remained inaccessible in the US. Even the developers of Marvel Snap, a ByteDance subsidiary, expressed surprise at the outage, suggesting a lack of prior notice.
Shifts in the Social Media Landscape
TikTok’s uncertain future could significantly benefit competitors like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Twitch. Analysts predict that advertisers may redirect their budgets to Meta and Google if TikTok remains unstable. Other platforms, such as Xiaohongshu (RedNote), have also seen growth in the US and UK, positioning themselves as potential alternatives.
Looking Ahead
As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, the app’s brief return highlights ongoing tensions between national security concerns and user demand. Trump’s proposed executive order may offer temporary relief, but the long-term future of TikTok in the US remains unclear.