The Chinese-owned video platform TikTok abruptly halted its service in the U.S. on January 18, just hours before the implementation of the so-called “TikTok Ban Act.” However, the service was partially restored on January 19.

TikTok announced via its X account (formerly Twitter), “Thanks to agreements with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring its operations.” The statement added, “We appreciate the assurance from President-elect Trump that our service providers will not face any penalties.” TikTok further noted, “We are committed to working with President-elect Trump to find a long-term solution for maintaining TikTok in the U.S.”

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, stated he plans to issue an executive order on January 20 to extend the deadline for the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations as specified in the TikTok Ban Act. He explained, “By doing so, we can reach an agreement that protects national security.” Trump also urged U.S. service providers to ensure TikTok’s services remain uninterrupted and assured them they would not face legal consequences under the ban.

Following TikTok’s announcement, some U.S. users regained access to the app, according to Reuters, NBC, and CNN. However, new downloads of the app from Apple’s App Store and Android’s Google Play remain unavailable. Congress passed the TikTok Ban Act in April last year, citing national security concerns over the platform’s parent company, ByteDance, allegedly collecting vast amounts of U.S. user data. Under the law, ByteDance was required to sell its U.S. operations to an American company by January 19; otherwise, new TikTok downloads would be prohibited. In response to the impending law, TikTok ceased its U.S. operations on January 18.

Meanwhile, TikTok users, particularly teenagers and young adults, expressed sadness and anger after being met with a sudden service suspension message on January 18.