TikTok found itself at the center of a whirlwind of developments over the weekend as a federal ban on the app went into effect, disrupting access for American users. The ban, effective from late Saturday night, resulted in TikTok's removal from Apple and Google's app stores, citing national security concerns. In response, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order delaying the ban, allowing some users to regain access on Sunday.
The app's sudden shutdown impacted many users across the United States. However, some managed to log onto TikTok through their desktops on Sunday, even as mobile access remained restricted. The ban's implementation caused widespread confusion and concern among TikTok enthusiasts and content creators alike.
President-elect Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, early Sunday morning to address the situation.
"I'm asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!" – Donald Trump
He urged companies to consider the temporary nature of the shutdown and not let the app remain inaccessible. Trump further stated his intention to issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period before the law's prohibitions take full effect.
"I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law's prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security" – Donald Trump
The primary reason behind the ban is national security concerns, which have been a point of contention in discussions about TikTok's operations in the United States. Despite these concerns, Trump's assurance provided a temporary reprieve for some users who were able to access TikTok after his statement.
The unfolding events highlight the complex intersection of technology, politics, and security. With the executive order set to be signed on Monday, stakeholders are keenly watching how negotiations unfold to address the security issues while maintaining user access to the popular social media platform.