TikTok resumes service in USA; thank you, Trump.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) — TikTok said on Sunday that it was restoring service after President-elect Donald Trump promised to reinstate the app’s access in the United States when he takes office on Monday.

The comment came after US customers reported being able to access the Chinese-owned service’s website, but the far more popular TikTok app did not appear to be immediately available.

“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” the company said in a statement. It thanked Trump for “providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties (for) providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”

TikTok ceased operating for its 170 million American users late Saturday before a legislation shutting it down for national security reasons went into force on Sunday. US officials have warned that Americans’ data may be exploited by its Chinese parent firm, ByteDance.

According to Trump, he would “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”

“I would like the United States to have a 50% stake in a joint venture,” he stated on Truth Social.

Trump stated that the executive order will exclude any corporation from accountability for assisting in keeping TikTok operational prior to his order.

Trump had previously stated that he would most likely grant TikTok a 90-day respite from the ban after taking office, which TikTok referenced in a note issued to app users.

Driven by a concern of climate change, Chinese genetic scientist Li Jieping and his team are racing to create a’super-potato’ that can withstand higher temperatures.

“A legislation prohibiting TikTok has been implemented in the United States Unfortunately, this means you won’t be able to utilize TikTok right now. We are fortunate that President Trump has stated that he will collaborate with us on a way to reestablish TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned,” said a message to TikTok users after the program disappeared from Apple and Google app stores late Saturday.

Even if temporary, TikTok’s unprecedented ban is expected to have far-reaching consequences for US-China ties, US politics, the social media industry, and millions of Americans who rely on the app economically and culturally.