TikTok 

MANILA, Philippines – Content creation app TikTok is now beginning to restore its services in the US following a temporary shutdown on Sunday (US time). The China-based app thanked President-elect Donald Trump for his assurance to pause the app’s ban when he returns to power.

The official statement from TikTok on January 20 said: 

“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.” 

“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.” 

TikTok stopped working in the US on Saturday (US time) following a Supreme Court decision upholding a law effectively banning it in the country over concerns of security issues with China. This prompted app owner ByteDance to voluntarily temporarily shut down the service in the country.

Last year, the US Congress gave ByteDance to divest from Tiktok or be cut off from the US app stores. The short video sharing app argued that a sale wasn’t possible and challenged law in court but a Supreme Court decision ruled against their favor. 

Trump said he would revive TikTok by executive order once he is sworn into office but wants 50% US ownership of the app. 

On his Truth Social platform, Trump, who previously made moves for a TikTok ban said he “would like the US to have a 50 per cent ownership position in a joint venture”, arguing that the app’s value could surge to “hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions”.

“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands,” he said. 

In interviews, Trump also said he will “most likely” give the US ban a 90-day delay once he takes office. 

In an interview on ANC’s Headstart, University of the Philippines Manila Political Science Assistant Professor JM Lanuza said he does not see the US TikTok ban having a direct effect on the Philippines as of yet. 

“I don’t see the Philippines following suit anytime soon, unless there’s a grave aggravation against the Philippine government, same with India, same with Indonesia before and even then TikTok can always administer adjustments to its algorithm or to its systems whatever is being asked for by that government,” he said.