In January 2025, TikTok in the US experienced a dramatic turn of events, with its services being temporarily suspended and then resumed within a short period. This has drawn widespread global attention.

Background

On April 24, 2024, US President Joe Biden signed a bill requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity by January 19, 2025, or face a ban in the US. On January 17, 2025, the US Supreme Court ruled that the ban was constitutional, allowing it to take effect as scheduled. This ruling put TikTok under unprecedented pressure.

TikTok’s Suspension of Service

On the evening of January 18, TikTok notified its US users that it would temporarily cease operations starting January 19 due to the impending ban. Subsequently, the TikTok app was removed from the Apple and Google app stores in the US, and its US website stopped displaying video content. This decision not only affected TikTok’s 170 million US users but also had a significant impact on content creators and small businesses that relied on the platform.

The Turnaround with Trump’s Inauguration

However, the day after TikTok’s suspension, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying the implementation of the TikTok ban by 75 days. On January 20, TikTok announced the resumption of its services in the US. Trump stated that his administration would work with TikTok to explore long-term solutions to restore its operations.

Impact and Reactions

The suspension and resumption of TikTok had a series of ripple effects. First, many TikTok users turned to other platforms, such as Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), during the suspension period, leading to a significant increase in its downloads in the US. However, with TikTok’s return, these users began to migrate back. Secondly, for content creators and small businesses that relied on TikTok, the incident brought great uncertainty. It is estimated that in the month following the ban, approximately 2 million creators would lose up to $300 million in income. Although TikTok has temporarily resumed operations, whether a solution can be found within the next 75 days remains uncertain. Moreover, the incident sparked discussions on Sino-US relations and the global internet landscape. The suspension and resumption of TikTok were not just a commercial game but also involved considerations of national security, data privacy, and cultural influence.

Looking Ahead

Despite the temporary resumption of services in the US, TikTok’s future remains highly uncertain. The 75-day grace period offered by Trump provides TikTok with a valuable breather, but whether a solution acceptable to both sides can ultimately be found is crucial. Additionally, TikTok’s operations in other regions globally are also facing challenges, such as the European Union’s investigation into data security and potential election interference. In any case, the TikTok incident once again highlights the geopolitical risks that global tech companies face. It not only tests the adaptability of enterprises but also prompts deep thinking on internet freedom and data sovereignty. In summary, the suspension and resumption of TikTok in the US is an ongoing storm. Whether TikTok can find a way to survive within the next 75 days will determine its fate not only in the US but also globally.