TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, has restored its service in the United States, just over 12 hours after it went dark. The sudden reversal comes after President Trump issued an executive order that delayed the ban, providing reassurance to TikTok's service providers that they would face no penalties.

In a statement, TikTok expressed gratitude to President Trump for providing the necessary clarity, stating that they are "in the process of restoring service" and thanking him for allowing the app to continue operating in the US. The company also acknowledged the importance of its platform for over 170 million American users and 7 million small businesses.

Earlier in the day, President Trump posted on social media that he would be issuing an executive order to delay the ban, which would "confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order." This move seemed to be enough to convince TikTok and its service providers to restore the app's functionality.

As of 12:30 pm Eastern time, several TechCrunch writers reported that the TikTok app was already working again, even before the company issued its official statement. This swift turnaround suggests that the parties involved were eager to find a solution to keep the app operational in the US.

In addition to the executive order, President Trump also shared his "initial thought" on a potential deal to keep TikTok operating in the US. He proposed a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners, where the US would gain a 50% ownership stake. While the details of this proposal are still unclear, it marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding TikTok's future in the US.

In response to Trump's proposal, TikTok stated that it will "work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States." This commitment suggests that the company is open to exploring options that would allow it to continue operating in the US, while also addressing the concerns raised by the Trump administration.

The rapid developments in this story highlight the complex and ever-changing landscape of technology policy in the US. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what the long-term implications of this deal will be for TikTok, its users, and the broader tech industry.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.