Trump: TikTok Restored In The U.S. After Brief Shutdown Amidst Global Policy Criticism

TikTok is back online for U.S. users just hours after it became inaccessible late Saturday night, following efforts by President Donald Trump to delay enforcement of a law that threatened to ban the app.

The app initially went offline with a notification stating that a law banning TikTok had taken effect. Users were met with a message saying the app was unavailable and to “stay tuned.” It also said, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,”

Access to the app and its webpage was restored Sunday morning after Trump announced plans to issue an executive order delaying the law’s enforcement after his inauguration.

While the platform’s return to the U.S. is seen as a victory for its millions of users, TikTok continues to face criticism for its policies in other parts of the world. Despite explosive growth in Africa, where Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa are leading with millions of users, creators from the region are excluded from TikTok’s Creator Fund, compensating influencers in select countries like the U.S. and UK.

This policy has sparked frustration among African influencers who contribute significantly to global trends but cannot earn directly from the platform. Many have turned to brand deals and sponsored content as alternatives, but the absence of direct monetisation options underscores TikTok’s global strategy disparities.

As TikTok enjoys explosive growth in Africa, critics argue that neglecting African creators could push them toward rival platforms offering fairer revenue opportunities. The platform’s long-term success may depend on whether it chooses to prioritise its creators in emerging markets.

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