Social media Tiktok reactivates platform in the USA

SDA

19.1.2025 - 19:02

Back online again: The video service Tiktok is back online in the USA after a temporary shutdown.
Back online again: The video service Tiktok is back online in the USA after a temporary shutdown.
Keystone

The short video platform Tiktok is back online in the USA after a brief shutdown. The operators cited the President-elect's assurance that there would be no penalties for the platform's US service providers as the reason for the move.

Keystone-SDA

Tiktok had to be sold by Sunday - or go offline in the USA. China-based Tiktok owner Bytedance was given 270 days to divest itself of the video app under the US Foreign Control of Online Platforms Act last year.

Shortly before the deadline for a forced sale expired, the app shut down for its more than 170 million US users. However, it was already becoming apparent that it would be a short interruption. Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the next US president on Monday, had already promised Tiktok an additional three months' delay. He will issue an extension by presidential decree on Monday.

Trump also proposed that "the United States" - obviously the US state - should take a 50 percent stake in a joint venture with the current or new Tiktok owners. This would "save Tiktok and leave it in good hands".

5000 francs fine per user

According to the law, Tiktok had to be removed from the American app stores of Apple and Google and lose access to technical infrastructure after the deadline on Sunday. For US service providers that continue to supply Tiktok afterwards, the law stipulates high penalties of 5,000 dollars per user. This could have quickly amounted to billions.

Tiktok and Bytedance have always refused to even consider a separation in recent months. In the USA, there are fears that the Chinese government could gain access to Tiktok data from Americans and influence public opinion via the platform. The companies reject the accusations. Nevertheless, the concerns led to the law being passed with a large majority.