TikTok Ban temporarily reversed following trump pledge, but uncertainty remains.
TikTok has resumed operations in the U.S. after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to delay the implementation of a national ban on the platform. The Chinese-owned app, which boasts 170 million users in the U.S., had ceased service on Saturday after a Supreme Court ruling upheld a law banning it on national security grounds.
In a statement, TikTok confirmed it was restoring access following Trump’s assurance of an executive order to postpone the ban when he takes office on Monday. Trump described the move as a temporary measure to allow more time for negotiations, promising to shield companies facilitating TikTok’s operations from liability.
Despite the reprieve, legal and regulatory questions remain unresolved. The incoming administration faces criticism from both supporters and opponents of the ban, with concerns about the platform’s national security risks and the potential economic impact of its removal.
Implications for Users and Businesses
TikTok’s popularity among businesses and creators has made it a powerful tool for brand building, particularly among younger audiences. However, the temporary shutdown highlighted the vulnerability of companies and individuals who rely on the platform for their livelihoods.
One such creator is James Sibley, an aquaculture influencer with over 425,000 TikTok followers. Known for his engaging content on sustainable seafood and aquaculture practices, Sibley has spent the past year preparing for the possibility of losing access to his American audience, which accounts for nearly half of his followers.
@sibleyaquaGoodbye to all my American followers! I will still be making content for TikTok, as well as my other channels, since I’m no longer based in the US. That being said, I’m sad to see the platform go for so many of my followers. TikTok was where I began making seafood content, and it’s why I do what I do today. If you’re in the US, please follow me on my other platforms like Instagram and Youtube. I hope to see everyone around!♬ original sound – James Sibley
The Impact on Creators
“Politics aside, the ramifications of this ban will be widespread,” Sibley said in a LinkedIn post before the platform was restored. “Hundreds of thousands of American businesses have built their presence on TikTok, including my own. This will be a devastating blow to small businesses and, ironically, to the free speech my government claims to be upholding.”
Based in the UK, Sibley’s TikTok account remains active outside the U.S., but he has focused on diversifying his digital presence. Over the past year, he has expanded his reach on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, tailoring content to each platform to engage new audiences.
“The ban will hurt, but I am prepared for it,” Sibley said. “This is about building resilience and ensuring that my work continues to promote aquaculture globally, even if my largest audience is no longer reachable on TikTok.”
Broader Industry Concerns
Sibley’s story underscores the challenges faced by businesses and creators reliant on TikTok. The platform has been instrumental in reaching younger demographics, particularly for niche industries like aquaculture. However, its uncertain future has prompted many to rethink their strategies and seek alternative channels for growth.
For now, TikTok’s reprieve offers a temporary lifeline to creators and businesses, but the broader debate about its place in the U.S. remains far from resolved. As legal challenges and political tensions continue, the platform’s fate—and its impact on millions of users—hangs in the balance.
