[TikTok Logo. Photo Credit to Stockcake]

One morning on January 19th, about 170 million people in the US awoke to the message saying “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” when they tried to open one of the world’s most social media apps.

When users attempted to download ByteDance-owned apps such as TikTok, CapCut, and Lemon8, a box popped up, saying, “ TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you’re in.” 

Even after it was restored after 12 hours, some people still couldn't use the app.  

TikTok is a popular social media platform where people can create, post, and share their videos. 

Users can connect with other people and comment on others’ videos. 

Millions of people use TikTok as a way to sell products and promote their business.

The platform’s influence extends beyond entertainment and commerce.

Some politicians leveraged TikTok to help them get elected. 

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a technology company based in China. 

The US Congress is concerned that the Chinese government has the opportunity to spy on Americans through the app. 

Congress fears and repeatedly warns that ByteDance might collect sensitive personal data like users’ locations, their household incomes, and their age and send this information to China.

The US government wanted ByteDance to sell TikTok to another company it  approved of, by the 18th of January. 

TikTok argued that the ban was going against the 1st amendment, the right to free speech. 

With no successful buyer, the app was temporarily banned from the US. 

Industry speculation has emerged about potential buyers.

There are rumors that tech entrepreneurs and influencers Elon Musk, MrBeast, or Kevin O’Leary are considering buying TikTok.

However, President Trump came to the rescue. 

The same president who tried to ban TikTok in his first presidency, now defends TikTok saying, “TikTok is a unique medium for freedom of expression.” 

It’s interesting to note that Trump has 14 million followers on TikTok.  

His stance on the platform has dramatically shifted since his previous term.

On January 20th, Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law.

TikTok immediately released an announcement saying “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the US!” 

The uncertainty remains: Will ByteDance be able to sell TikTok in 75 days? If not, would it be banned again? Or will President Trump save TikTok again? 

Despite these challenges, TikTok maintains a growing popularity, and many people support and protect it.

As it continues to grow, the debate intensifies over privacy and how global powers and big technology companies can influence people and their decisions.