WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant turn of events, the popular short-form video platform TikTok remains available for users in the United States. Despite previous concerns and ongoing discussions regarding national security and data privacy, the app continues to operate within the country, much to the delight of its millions of American users.
This news comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the U.S. market. Previous administrations had raised concerns about the app’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance, citing potential risks to user data and national security. These concerns led to executive orders and legal battles that, at times, threatened to ban the app entirely.
However, the current administration has taken a different approach, focusing on a comprehensive review of potential security risks associated with foreign-owned apps. This review is ongoing, and it is being handled by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). As a result, TikTok has been allowed to continue operations while this process unfolds.
Key Factors Contributing to TikTok’s Continued Operation:
- Ongoing CFIUS Review: The current administration’s decision to conduct a thorough security review through CFIUS, rather than implementing an immediate ban, has provided TikTok with a reprieve.
- Legal Challenges: Previous attempts to ban TikTok faced significant legal challenges and were ultimately blocked by federal courts. These legal precedents have likely influenced the current approach.
- Project Texas: ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has undertaken significant efforts to address concerns about data security through a plan known as “Project Texas.” This initiative involves storing U.S. user data on servers located within the United States and managed by the U.S. company Oracle.
- Popularity and Economic Impact: TikTok’s immense popularity in the U.S., particularly among younger demographics, and its growing role as a platform for businesses and creators, also contribute to the complexities of any potential ban.
What’s Next for TikTok in the U.S.?
While TikTok remains accessible for now, the outcome of the CFIUS review is still pending. The committee will assess whether the app poses a genuine threat to national security and could recommend measures to mitigate any risks, potentially including changes to data storage practices or even a forced sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations.
TikTok, for its part, maintains that it is committed to protecting user data and operating transparently. The company continues to work with U.S. authorities to address any concerns and ensure its long-term viability in the American market.
User Reactions:
The news that TikTok is not facing an imminent ban has been met with relief and celebration by many of its users. The app has become a cultural phenomenon, a source of entertainment, and a platform for creative expression. Creators and users alike have expressed their continued support for the platform.
Conclusion:
TikTok’s continued availability in the U.S. represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over the intersection of technology, national security, and global business. The coming months will be crucial as the CFIUS review progresses and the future of TikTok in the U.S. market is ultimately determined. For now, however, American users can continue to enjoy the app’s diverse content and vibrant community
This FAQ covers the following sections aiming to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions from different groups of users:
- For Sellers
- For Creators
- For Partners
- For Logistics Providers
For Sellers
Q1: Is TikTok LIVE back online?
TikTok LIVE is back.
Q2: Are there any changes to how I access my Seller Center account?
No, you can access your Seller Center account as usual through either the app or web versions.
Q3: Have any TikTok Shop policies changed?
No. Our policies remain unchanged.
Q4: Has my Shop Performance Score (SPS) been impacted?
No, your SPS has not been affected by the temporary unavailability.
Q5: When should I start processing aftersales requests (refund/return request)?
Please process these requests as normal to ensure customer concerns are resolved promptly.
Q6: Will the settlement period be affected?
No, the settlement period will not be affected. Payouts will be triggered automatically based on your settlement schedule. Please refer to the “Finance Summary” section for details.
Q7: How will this change impact my Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) service?
FBT service will continue to fulfill both existing and new customer orders and provide relevant after-sales support. However, inbound order creation and new inbound order slot bookings remain closed. Additionally, storage fees incurred from January 19 onward will continue to be waived until further notice.
Q8: Can I continue using the Shopify apps, or any other integration solution for TikTok Shop?
Yes, you can continue using Shopify and other integration apps from the TikTok Shop App Store. However, please note that some temporary service instability may occur.
Q9: What should I do with my contracts with creators, agencies or service providers?
We recommend contacting your TikTok Shop partners (such as creators, agencies, or service providers) to inform them that your shop is back in operation.
Q10: What happens to the agencies I collaborated with before?
TAP collaborations via Seller Center will resume as normal. For agency partnerships initiated off-platform, please contact your agency partners directly to resume collaboration.
Q11: Can we run ads?
Yes, our advertising services are operating as usual.
Q12: How will seller violations be handled?
All violations that occurred while TikTok was temporarily unavailable will be proactively waived. We will resume monitoring and enforcing violations as usual.
Q13: Can I list products normally?
Now you can list products normally, and we will resume the regular review process.
Q14: Will the appeal process be affected?
If an appeal expires during the period when TikTok was unavailable and you need to reopen it, please contact Seller Support for assistance.
For Creators
Q1: Is TikTok LIVE back online?
TikTok LIVE is back.
Q2: Can I access the Creator Center now?
Yes, you can access the TikTok Shop Creator Center as usual.
Q3: Will all creator user identification numbers (UIDs) remain the same for my profile and content?
Yes, all UIDs remain unchanged.
Q4: What happens to my follower data and engagement history?
There are no changes.
Q5: Where can I withdraw or check my remaining balance?
You can visit Creator Center > Earnings to initiate commission withdrawal.
Q6: Can I still work with sellers through Target Collaborations?
Yes, you can continue working with sellers through Target Collaborations.
Q7: Will the shoppable links still be active/linked to my Shoppable Video?
Yes, the shoppable links for your videos will remain valid as long as the product is in stock and your Target Collaboration with sellers is still within the valid period.
Q8: Has my Product Selection Score (PSS) been impacted?
No, your PSS has not been affected by the temporary unavailability.
Q9: How will creator violations be handled?
All violations that occurred while TikTok was temporarily unavailable will be proactively waived. Now we will resume monitoring and enforcing any violations that occur.
Q10: Will the appeal process be affected?
If an appeal expires during the period when TikTok was unavailable and you need to reopen it, please contact Creator Support for assistance.
For Partners
Q1: Can I access the Partner Center now?
Yes, you can access it using your registered Partner Center account as usual.
Q2: Where can I find support for technical issues?
Please contact us through the Partner Center for assistance.
Q3:Will the binding relationship between creators/sellers and agencies become invalid?
No, there will be no changes to the binding relationship between creators/sellers and agencies unless one of the parties initiates a change.
Q4: Can I continue to collaborate with the platform and receive the corresponding policies and sales incentives?
Yes, you can continue collaborating and receiving the applicable policies and sales incentives.
Q5: Is the collaboration between the TAP campaign and Shoppable Video creators still valid? Can I still receive the service fee for the creators’ subsequent sales?
Yes, there are no changes. If you encounter any issues during this process, please contact your agency managers.
Q6: Can the livestreaming plans I agreed upon with the creators/sellers still proceed? Can the sales commission from livestreaming collaboration with the creators/sellers still continue?
TikTok LIVE is back. All TikTok LIVE services are operating as usual.
For Logistics Providers
Q1: Will the logistics service providers (LSPs) be able to continue to use our logistics systems, services, and tools to provide their services?
We will maintain normal operations for all our logistics systems, services, and tools. If you experience any abnormalities or issues, please contact our logistics operations team or product operations team.
Q2: When will the logistics service providers (LSPs) receive payment of their service fees accrued during the period when TikTok is unavailable?
All service fees accrued when TikTok is unavailable will be settled as usual in accordance with the existing payment and settlement process stipulated in the contract.
