TikTok resumes US operations after Supreme Court divestiture ruling
Platform returns for US users following January shutdown, with limitations on live streaming and advertising campaigns.
According to the company's official statement released today, TikTok has restored access to most U.S. users, marking a significant shift from its January shutdown. The platform, which experienced a complete cessation of U.S. operations at 10:45 p.m. Eastern Time on January 18, now faces operational adjustments under new regulatory frameworks.
The resumption comes with notable restrictions. According to TikTok's business documentation, advertising campaigns targeting U.S. audiences that were automatically paused during the shutdown will resume, though LIVE streaming features face specific limitations. The platform's business infrastructure, including TikTok Ads Manager, Business Center, and API for Business, maintains functionality with certain constraints.
The January shutdown followed a unanimous Supreme Court decision upholding the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This legislation mandated ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to either divest its U.S. operations or cease activities. The Court's 20-page ruling emphasized national security considerations, citing Congressional findings about TikTok's data collection practices.
Technical implementation of the shutdown proved more comprehensive than initially anticipated. Apple's documentation revealed that while previously installed ByteDance applications remained on devices, users could not redownload them if deleted. The restrictions affected multiple ByteDance-owned services, including video editing tool CapCut and lifestyle app Lemon8.
Financial implications of the shutdown period have been substantial. Market analysts valued TikTok's U.S. operations at approximately $50 billion, attracting interest from various technology companies and private equity firms. US search startup Perplexity AI submitted a merger proposal during the shutdown period, according to industry sources.
The platform's user base of 170 million Americans experienced complete service disruption. International travelers to America found their previously functioning accounts restricted within U.S. borders, regardless of their account's country of origin, demonstrating the technical complexity of the implemented restrictions.
ByteDance's corporate structure, with approximately 60% ownership held by institutional investors including BlackRock and General Atlantic, faced complex decisions regarding regulatory compliance. The Chinese embassy in Washington expressed opposition to the U.S. action, stating their intention to "take all necessary measures" to protect their interests.
President Trump's administration played a crucial role in the resolution. During the shutdown period, TikTok's notification to users underwent a strategic shift, directly referencing potential presidential intervention. Trump indicated flexibility in implementing the ban, suggesting a 90-day extension period for compliance arrangements.
Luís Rijo
The current operational status reflects a delicate balance between national security concerns and digital platform governance. Users accessing their accounts will find certain features temporarily unavailable as TikTok works to restore full functionality. The company maintains access to business solutions while implementing required changes to comply with new regulatory requirements.
TikTok's customer support documentation indicates that users seeking specific campaign information should log in to their ad accounts for detailed guidance on the current limitations and available features. The platform continues to process existing data and maintain core business functionalities while adapting to the modified operational framework.
This development represents a significant shift in social media regulation, demonstrating the complex interplay between national security considerations, corporate ownership structures, and digital platform operations in the United States. The situation continues to evolve as TikTok implements necessary adjustments to maintain compliance with current legislative requirements while serving its substantial U.S. user base.