TikTok restored to United States users after ban

By Mackala Krichbaum, KrichbaumM@Findlay.edu

Throughout the past couple weeks, avid United States TikTok users have experienced whiplash about whether a ban would be set in place. The app went dark Saturday evening, Jan. 18, but resumed operations Sunday morning, Jan. 19. 

TikTok started in 2018 after ByteDance bought Musical.ly and made the announcement to TikTok’s creation, according to BBC. 

“Although the accusations are vague, India and the U.S. have concerns that TikTok is collecting sensitive data from users that could be used by the Chinese government for spying,” according to BBC. “It has been alleged that every major Chinese enterprise has an internal ‘cell’ answerable to the ruling Chinese Communist Part, with many of its agents tasked with gathering secrets.” 

In 2024, Congress forced ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok or be cut off from the United States’s market with a deadline of Jan. 19, according to MSN.  

“The Biden White House said it will leave enforcement of the law to the incoming Trump administration, and President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to ‘save’ the app,” said in a MSN article.  

U.S. TikTok users were greeted with a message on Jan. 18 stating “a low banning TikTok has been enacted” causing the app to go dark. However, TikTok restored services to U.S. users the next day stating “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.” 

The app was restored due to president-elect Donald Trump’s announcement regarding his intentions to sign an executive order to delay the enforcement of the TikTok ban, according to Mashable. This allows ByteDance more time to find a suitable U.S. buyer. 

UF student Kendall Westgate downloaded TikTok in 2020 during COVID-19. 

“I have never experienced any issues with TikTok,” Westgate said. “I use TikTok daily, so this ban would definitely affect my day-to-day life.” 

TikTok offers a “For You Page” where an algorithm provides content with users, which anticipates what videos they would enjoy based on content they already engaged with. UF student Molly Zechman enjoys watching creative videos on her FYP. 

“TikTok has helped me in a lot of ways,” Zechman said. “TikTok has given me crochet ideas, patterns for crochet, workout advice, healthier meal options, and ideas that I can apply to my field of study. There are so many things I have learned and gained a lot of knowledge from the app.” 

The TikTok ban comes with mixed emotions from many University of Findlay students. 

“I think users should continue to support the app because it can really bring a sense of community among people,” Westgate said. “I also think many people learn about different news events through the app.” 

Many TikTok users are deciding which social media app to use next to keep up with their favorite influencers. 

“I will probably just stick to using the apps I currently have, Instagram and Facebook.” Zechman said. “Not the ideal, but until another new app grabs my attention, I’ll just stick to what I know.”