TikTok reinstated in the United States after its ban 🎶🇺🇸

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Temporarily suspended on January 19 to comply with a law passed by Congress, TikTok has quickly announced its return to the United States, thanks to the intervention of Donald Trump. The Chinese platform’s administrators and the newly elected president are now seeking a long-term solution to keep the app on the market.

A brief suspension before reinstatement ⏳

TikTok suspended access for U.S. users to comply with a new law adopted by Congress in 2024. This legislation imposes heavy financial penalties on internet service providers and app stores, with fines of up to $5,000 per user if they continue to host TikTok on their platforms. However, just a few hours later, TikTok announced it would restore access. The platform thanked Donald Trump for his intervention, which reassured technical providers that they would not be penalized.

Donald Trump pledged to sign an executive order immediately after his inauguration to temporarily suspend the law banning TikTok. This decision aims to give TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, time to find an American buyer. According to Trump, a 90-day delay will allow for the exploration of different solutions and prevent the app’s permanent ban in the U.S.

It’s worth noting, however, that Trump himself is the origin of the controversy surrounding TikTok’s ban. In 2020, as president of the United States, he announced plans to ban the app unless it sold part of its operations to an American company.

A buyout proposal to avoid the ban 💼

To resolve this crisis, Donald Trump proposed an interim solution: 50% American ownership. This option would involve creating a joint venture in which American investors hold half of TikTok’s shares. This solution would ensure some control over user data. Trump emphasized that this solution could value TikTok at hundreds of billions, or even trillions, of dollars.

Despite this proposal, ByteDance appears reluctant to sell part of its assets. The Chinese company, which owns TikTok, has so far opposed a sale, stating that its algorithm—central to its success—cannot be separated from the app. Furthermore, the current White House administration remains cautious about TikTok’s promises. Karine Jean-Pierre, spokesperson for the outgoing government, declared that TikTok’s actions were primarily a “maneuver.” However, no final decision can be made until Trump takes office.

Buyout offers on the table 💰

Amid this uncertainty, several companies have expressed interest in buying TikTok’s U.S. operations. Businessman Frank McCourt has proposed a $20 billion offer to acquire the platform without its algorithm. Meanwhile, the American start-up « Perplexity AI » has submitted a merger proposal valuing TikTok at $50 billion. However, no agreement has been reached, leaving the app’s future uncertain.

The algorithm at the center of technological tensions 🤖

The main point of contention remains TikTok’s algorithm, renowned for its ability to recommend content effectively. This technology is at the heart of U.S. authorities’ concerns, as they fear it could be used to collect sensitive data or influence public opinion. Congress justified passing the law banning TikTok as necessary to protect citizens from potential foreign interference.

During TikTok’s brief suspension, other apps saw their popularity skyrocket. The platform « Clapper, » a direct competitor to TikTok, recorded over two million new downloads in just a few hours. Additionally, many users attempted to bypass the ban using VPNs to hide their geographic location and access TikTok despite the restrictions.

A return with uncertainties for the future 🌐

Although TikTok is back in the United States, its future remains uncertain. The platform will need to convince U.S. authorities that it does not pose a national security threat. By proposing a compromise, Donald Trump seeks to balance both sides, but ensuring American investors control TikTok remains a key condition for its survival in the U.S. market.

Your opinion matters 🗣️
Do you think TikTok should come under American control? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😉