TikTok Ban in the U.S.: From Shutdown to Restoration

In January 2025, TikTok faced significant challenges in the United States due to national security concerns over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The Supreme Court upheld a law passed in April 2024, with bipartisan support in Congress, that prohibits American companies from hosting or serving content for the Chinese-owned platform unless it sells its operations to a U.S. or allied entity. The law required ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations by January 19 or face a nationwide ban.

TikTok Shuts Down as Deadline Approaches

As the deadline approached, ByteDance refused to sell, and TikTok went dark on January 18, making the app inaccessible to its 170 million American users. TikTok greeted users with a message stating, “You can’t use TikTok for now” due to a “law banning TikTok” set to take effect soon. This move sparked widespread reactions from celebrities, influencers, and business leaders, who expressed concerns over free speech and the impact on digital communities.

The nationwide ban took effect on January 19, barring internet service providers and app stores from offering the ultra-popular social media platform. Despite this, by the afternoon of January 19, some users reported that the app had started working again, just over 12 hours after service had suspended. TikTok tweeted that it was “in the process of restoring service” and thanked President Donald Trump for “providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties.” The company confirmed that it would work with President Donald Trump on a long-term solution to keep the app in the U.S.

President Trump’s Intervention and the Path Forward

In response to the shutdown, President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order on January 19 to delay the ban, calling for a joint venture that would grant the U.S. a 50% ownership stake in TikTok. He also urged tech companies to prevent TikTok from “going dark,” vowing “no liability” for firms that acted before his order. TikTok began restoring its services shortly after President Donald Trump’s announcement, with the app returning for many users by midday.

Following his inauguration on January 20, President Donald Trump took immediate action and signed an executive order halting the TikTok ban for 75 days. The order aimed to “permit my Administration an opportunity to determine the appropriate course of action with respect to TikTok” and followed his earlier suggestion that ByteDance shift the platform to a joint venture at least 50% controlled by U.S. interests. President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of securing a deal that would safeguard national security while keeping TikTok operational for American users.

Despite the restoration, securing TikTok’s long-term future in the U.S. remains uncertain. While many users were relieved to regain access, concerns over data privacy and the app’s ties to China persist. The situation highlights the complex relationship between technology, national security, and user rights in the digital age.

Feature Image via Fox Business

In a strategic move to enhance the Maldives’ economic landscape, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently held a series of high-level meetings with prominent Malaysian business leaders during his official visit to Malaysia. These discussions, aimed at fostering greater bilateral cooperation, focused on key areas such as tourism, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

A key engagement was a meeting with Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group, one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates. During the talks, they explored potential collaborations in tourism, education, and healthcare, with Dr. Muizzu emphasizing the Maldives’ growing appeal as an investment destination. Furthermore, the Sunway delegation showed strong interest in the Maldives’ robust investment climate, particularly in areas supported by the recently enacted Foreign Investment Act.

Additionally, the President met with Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, the founder of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, where they discussed expanding Berjaya’s footprint in the Maldives, particularly in the tourism sector. Notably, the Maldives’ well-established tourism industry, along with its strategic location, stood out as a key area for future collaboration. Moreover, the talks covered developments in infrastructure, focusing on the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen air connectivity and create a more conducive environment for foreign investors.

These interactions, in turn, form part of the Maldives’ broader strategy to attract sustainable investments and open new avenues for economic growth. With a renewed focus on eco-tourism, renewable energy, and digital transformation, the President’s meetings signal the nation’s readiness to welcome global partners.

As President Dr. Muizzu wrapped up his engagements, both the Maldivian and Malaysian business leaders expressed optimism about future collaborations, thus highlighting the Maldives’ potential as a thriving hub for investment in the Indian Ocean region.

TikTok’s Tumultuous Journey in the U.S.: From Ban to Restoration

TikTok Shuts Down as Deadline Approaches

President Trump’s Intervention and the Path Forward

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