ABC News Daily How Trump ended the TikTok blackout
Jan 20, 2025
Vittoria Elliott, a WIRED reporter specializing in platforms and power, discusses how Trump swiftly revived TikTok in the U.S. after a brief blackout. She highlights the national security fears that led to the platform's temporary shutdown and the political maneuvering that allowed it to return. The conversation dives into the implications of Chinese ownership, the legal complexities surrounding TikTok, and user reactions. Elliott also explores the evolving tech landscape and potential shifts in data privacy amidst increasing scrutiny of social media.
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TikTok's Short-Lived Ban
- TikTok briefly went offline in the US due to a ban.
- Incoming President Trump's efforts brought it back online within 24 hours.
Reason for the Ban
- The Biden administration banned TikTok over national security concerns, giving it a deadline to sell or exit the US market.
- ByteDance resisted, arguing its algorithm, crucial to TikTok's success, is export-controlled by China.
Trump's Motivation
- Trump recognizes the ban's unpopularity among TikTok's vast user base.
- He aims to present its reversal as an easy political win, capitalizing on public sentiment.