TikTok issue to serve as barometer for US business environment | The Manila Times

ON Jan. 18, TikTok suspended its service to United States users, and both Google and Apple removed it from their app stores for a well-known reason: Washington's "ban-or-sale" order under the guise of "national security." However, less than half a day later, TikTok restored some basic features on Sunday morning and issued a statement thanking Donald Trump for "providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers."

Overnight, this popular short video-sharing platform in the US experienced a dramatic reversal, with many American users expressing their joy at the platform's return. From the emotional farewell videos posted by users before the shutdown to the collective rush by many users to platforms like RedNote, known in China as "Xiaohongshu," and finally to the celebratory videos after the service was restored, the political manipulation of an overstretched concept of security against TikTok has not only caused fluctuations in the emotions of the American public, but has also led to "deep personal pain" for some who rely on it for their livelihood.