On January 19, the 170 million Americans who use the social media platform TikTok were collectively devastated when the app disappeared. However, when Trump supposedly brought TikTok back from the dead on the 20th, users were ecstatic but left with questions about both the app’s future and Trump’s intentions.
Before TikTok went away, there were two different notes that TikTokers saw, one before the demise and the other once it took place. The first said, “We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We are working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your patience. Please stay tuned.” Once the app was shut down , the second notice said, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he is in office. Please stay tuned!”
Many TikTok users are skeptical as to whether the app will stay permanently and for how long. Allegedly, the reinstated TikTok will only be around until April 5 unless someone buys it. Some people proposing to buy TikTok are Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, Kevin O’Leary, and, surprisingly, maybe even Jimmy Donaldson (Mr. Beast).
A BBC article reported that during a press conference Trump advised ByteDance (the business behind TikTok), “Buy it and give half to the US, half, and we’ll give you a permit.” However BBC noted that ByteDance wasn’t budging on selling their “prize asset.” Some think that the black-out may have been the kick needed to urge them to sell it.
Though the app has been restored, it is not without consequences. Both Apple and Google have been told if they support TikTok and try to keep it for the users, there will be a $5,000 fine per person using the app. USA Today read, “If reportedly 170 million Americans use TikTok and companies could be charged $5,000 per user, that amounts to about $850 billion in fines… Even for tech giants like Google, Apple, and Oracle, these are “hefty fines”.”
An anonymous student was asked how they felt about TikTok coming back; they responded, “Good, TikTok to me is a place where I can feel comfortable. I’ve gained a community where I literally can’t find it anywhere else. I find comfort in it, and it’s fun to interact with, and TikTok has also helped me grow as a person over the past 3-4 years.”
TikTok’s return, while positive, has left many feeling skeptical. Some believed it was an attempt by Trump to gain followers and become more likable. There is a gathering that isn’t 100% sure that Trump was the “savior” that he claims to be. A student said, “I’ve seen people say stuff like ‘Oh he’s trying to get on our good side’ and I personally think there’s something weird going on due to Facebook and other Meta apps suddenly getting recommended out of nowhere. I have kinda stayed out of it and just have been playing it by ear.”
When asked about the availability of TikTok, another anonymous student explained, “I’m glad it’s back and all but it’s not fair that the people who deleted it can’t get it back. Some people deleted it because they thought the ban would last and can’t get it back now.”
Despite the app being unavailable for download for a time, it can now be downloaded directly off the TikTok website, but the app can no longer be accessed in the Apple App Store.
