Phoenix, AZ – TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, is back online in the U.S. after briefly shutting down due to a law requiring its sale or facing a nationwide ban. The app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced growing scrutiny over national security concerns and its impact on mental health, especially among young users.
For now, TikTok’s presence in the U.S. is secure, thanks to a 90-day extension granted by incoming president Donald Trump, who reversed his previous stance on banning the app. While the extension offers a temporary reprieve, the app’s future remains uncertain.
Why TikTok Faced a Ban
At the heart of the controversy surrounding TikTok is its ownership by ByteDance, a Beijing-based technology company. U.S. lawmakers and administration officials have raised concerns about the potential for the app to share user data with the Chinese government.
National Security Risks
ByteDance has been accused of collecting large amounts of U.S. user data, which officials fear could be accessed by the Chinese government.
U.S. authorities have also expressed concerns about TikTok’s algorithm, claiming it could be manipulated to influence public opinion. However, no public evidence has been presented to confirm these allegations.
Mental Health Concerns
In addition to security worries, TikTok faces criticism for its impact on mental health. A lawsuit filed by the White Mountain Apache Tribe accuses TikTok and Meta of exploiting children’s developing brains, prioritizing profits over their welfare, and contributing to a mental health crisis.
The Legal Battle
In April 2024, Congress passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok as part of a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel. The law was signed by President Joe Biden, but ByteDance quickly sued on First Amendment grounds, arguing that the move violated free speech rights.
On January 17, 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the government, stating that the national security risks posed by TikTok’s ties to China outweighed free speech concerns for the app and its 170 million U.S. users.
Trump’s Role in TikTok’s Future
President Trump, who initially supported banning TikTok during his first term, changed his stance during his 2024 presidential campaign. He believed a ban would benefit Facebook, a platform he blames for his 2020 election loss. Trump himself joined TikTok in 2024 and amassed nearly 15 million followers, crediting the app for helping him connect with younger voters.
Trump’s reversal gave TikTok a 90-day extension to remain operational in the U.S. TikTok CEO Shou Chew publicly thanked Trump, saying, “We are grateful to have the support of a president who understands our platform and its ability to connect people.”
How Businesses and Users Reacted
For many users and businesses, TikTok’s brief shutdown created anxiety and uncertainty. Videos of users expressing their fears about losing the app flooded the platform’s For You page.
Impact on Small Businesses
One Phoenix-based small business, Amici Pizza, saw significant growth thanks to TikTok.
“People are coming from all over the country because they’ve seen us on TikTok,” said Xander Begay, a host at the restaurant.
Owner Vinny Pante shared how TikTok transformed his business: “It was steady before, but now it’s through the roof.”
The app has become a powerful tool for small businesses to reach a global audience, making its potential ban a worrying prospect for entrepreneurs.
What’s Next for TikTok?
While the 90-day extension provides temporary relief, TikTok’s future remains unclear. Reports indicate that investors are eyeing ByteDance’s U.S. operations.
Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence startup, has proposed a partnership with TikTok’s U.S. business to create a new entity.
Other investors, including ‘Shark Tank’ star Kevin O’Leary and billionaire Frank McCourt, have reportedly offered ByteDance $20 billion in cash to acquire the app.
ByteDance has yet to comment on these proposals, leaving the app’s long-term presence in the U.S. uncertain.
Conclusion
For now, TikTok users and businesses can breathe a sigh of relief. However, the debate surrounding the app’s security risks, its impact on mental health, and its role in global politics ensures that its future will remain a topic of intense discussion.
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