Why is TikTok Back After Being Banned for One Day?
TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance, briefly went offline in the US over the weekend after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning the app. However, it quickly returned with a message attributing its restoration to President Donald Trump.
What Happened to TikTok?
On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld a law passed by Congress to ban TikTok. The law cited concerns about national security, stating that it aimed to prevent China, a “designated foreign adversary,” from accessing US TikTok user data through ByteDance.
The ban was set to take effect on Sunday. As a result:
- Saturday Night: TikTok went dark, displaying a message to users explaining that the ban had been enacted.
- Sunday Morning: The app returned with a note thanking President Trump for his efforts in restoring TikTok access to US users.
TikTok’s Limited Return
While TikTok resumed functionality for existing users, it remained unavailable for download on app stores in the US.
President Trump’s Role
Posting on Truth Social, a platform he owns, President Trump urged companies to prevent TikTok from staying offline. He announced plans to issue an executive order on Monday to:
- Extend the timeline for the ban’s implementation.
- Negotiate a deal aimed at addressing national security concerns while keeping the app operational.
Concerns Behind the Ban
The law banning TikTok highlighted key issues:
- Data Privacy Risks: Concerns about ByteDance leveraging user data for potential misuse.
- National Security: Preventing foreign influence through control of a widely used platform.
TikTok’s Leadership to Attend Trump’s Inauguration
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend President Trump’s inauguration on Monday afternoon. His presence suggests ongoing negotiations to resolve the issues surrounding the app’s future in the US.
Disclaimer:
This article provides an overview of recent developments based on publicly available information. It does not intend to speculate or make unsupported claims about the situation.
Source: BBC.com
