TikTok Reinstated in U.S. Amid Free Speech and Security Debate

TikTok has been reinstated for use in the United States following an executive directive from President-elect Donald Trump, who has opted to delay the looming ban on the app. This decision has reignited a contentious debate over free speech, national security, and digital rights.

The app, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, faced removal from U.S. app stores due to legislation passed in April 2024. The law mandated a January 19, 2025, deadline for ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a ban, citing concerns over potential access to user data by the Chinese government. TikTok, with its 170 million U.S. users, was labelled a national security risk. However, as the deadline approached, Trump‘s administration introduced a temporary reprieve, allowing the app to continue operations while pursuing a “political resolution.”

The reinstatement has intensified discussions on free speech. Critics argue that banning TikTok would violate the First Amendment rights of its users, creators, and small businesses that depend on the platform for communication, entertainment, and commerce. Organizations like the ACLU have pointed out that no substantial evidence linking TikTok directly to national security threats has been presented. Advocates for free speech also note that concerns over data privacy extend to U.S.-based social media platforms, highlighting the need for comprehensive data privacy legislation instead of targeting a single app.

Supporters of the legislation, including national security experts and some lawmakers, maintain that the issue is not about free speech but protecting American data from potential misuse by foreign entities. They argue that the law is focused on limiting a foreign company’s control over a major communication platform, emphasizing the risk of data exploitation or content manipulation by ByteDance or the Chinese government.

As TikTok resumes operations in the U.S., the temporary solution provides a brief respite while negotiations continue. However, some Republican lawmakers remain sceptical about the legal validity of the extension, signalling that the debate over free speech and national security is far from over.

Public reactions have been divided. While many users celebrate TikTok’s return, others express concern about data privacy and national security implications. Legal experts predict further court challenges to test the constitutionality of the original law under strict scrutiny.