TikTok restoring its operations in the United States, barely 24 hours after it removed access of its users in the world' largest economy, after getting an assurance from US-President elect Donald Trump that his administration will not penalize the company behind the popular social media app.
"I’m asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security," Trump said in a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service," TikTok said in the earlier statement.
It added that is was thankful to Trump for "providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties (for) providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive."
Calling Trump's stance a "strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship," the app vowed to work with the incoming president on "a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States."
A federal ban on the social media platform was supposed to take effect over the weekend, but TikTok waited for word from Trump on his assurance that it would not be penalized.
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