Will TikTok's Big Gamble Pay Off?

App goes dark in US; Trump pledges to give it a lifeline after he is sworn into office

- Bhagyashree Garekar

WASHINGTON - TikTok opted to go dark rather than sell itself to an American buyer, while the powerful US establishment made an astonishing about-turn on the app it had tried its best to bend to its will.

Outgoing President Joe Biden is leaving office without moving a finger to enforce a ban on TikTok over national security grounds, which he signed into law in 2024.

Incoming president Donald Trump, who had tried to get the app banned in 2020, said he would issue an executive order to give the app a lifeline after he is sworn into office on Jan 20. His words guarantee that the app will be back online, quite likely even before he is inaugurated.

In a post on Truth Social, a day before he takes over, Trump said his order would confirm that there would be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before his order takes effect.

"Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations," he said.

He also offered his thoughts on what the solution for TikTok's predicament would look like.

"I would like the United States to have a 50 per cent ownership position in a joint venture.

"By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up. Without US approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions," he said.

About an hour ahead of the ban taking effect at midnight US time on Jan 19, the app shut itself down.

"Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now," a message said when users tried to access the app.

"We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution," the message said. "Please stay tuned!"