Trump Lifts TikTok Ban Restoring App Access in US

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In a dramatic turnaround, President Donald Trump lifted the federal ban on TikTok, allowing millions of Americans to regain access to the popular social media app. The decision, announced shortly after his inauguration on January 15, 2025, reverses a measure that had taken the platform offline nationwide just two days earlier.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, had been removed from app stores and was unavailable to users due to concerns over national security and data privacy. The ban, passed as part of a $95 billion legislative package in April 2024, required ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations or face prohibition. Lawmakers and administration officials had argued that TikTok’s ownership posed risks of data misuse and content manipulation by the Chinese government, though no concrete evidence of such actions was disclosed.

President Trump, who had previously called for the app’s removal, cited a “new agreement” in his decision to lift the ban. “We’ve ensured that TikTok remains a safe and secure platform for Americans to enjoy,” Trump said during a press briefing. While details of the agreement remain sparse, it is believed to include measures for increased oversight of TikTok’s U.S. operations, potentially involving a domestic data management partner.

TikTok users began regaining access to the app late Monday evening, with ByteDance confirming that services would resume fully by Tuesday morning. In a message to its users, TikTok said, “We are thrilled to be back and will continue working to protect your data and provide a platform for creativity.”

The decision to lift the ban has garnered mixed reactions. Supporters, including millions of TikTok users and creators, celebrated the move, praising Trump for allowing the app to return. Critics, however, expressed concerns about whether sufficient safeguards had been put in place to address the security risks previously cited.

ByteDance has previously maintained that it does not share user data with the Chinese government and denied allegations of algorithm manipulation. Following Trump’s announcement, the company reiterated its commitment to transparency and compliance with U.S. regulations.

International reactions have been less optimistic. Chinese political commentators accused the U.S. of leveraging the ban for political gain, while some global tech analysts speculated about the implications for U.S.-China relations. ByteDance’s domestic app, Douyin, remains unaffected by the developments.

The future of TikTok’s operations in the U.S. could hinge on the terms of the new agreement. Observers say the deal may include ongoing audits, restrictions on data access, and potentially the establishment of a U.S.-based subsidiary to oversee the platform’s activities.

For now, millions of American users are celebrating the return of TikTok, a platform that has become a cultural touchstone and a major player in digital entertainment.

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