TikTok, the popular social media app, has announced that it is in the process of restoring service to some users in the US, despite still being unavailable for download or update on the App Store and Google Play. The app's return comes after it went dark in the US on Saturday night, just before a law requiring its owner, ByteDance, to divest or face a nationwide ban took effect.

The app's restoration is attributed to an agreement with its service providers, according to a pop-up message displayed within the app. The message thanks users for their patience and credits President Trump's efforts for the app's return. However, the exact nature of this agreement remains unclear, as none of the companies involved have responded to requests for further comment.

The situation is complex, with Oracle, TikTok's hosting provider, and Akamai, its CDN partner, seemingly relying on Trump's promise that there would be "no liability" for companies that support TikTok. This move has sparked controversy, with Republican Senator Tom Cotton commending the app stores for removing ByteDance apps and warning that any company that facilitates TikTok "could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability under the law, not just from DOJ, but also under securities law, shareholder lawsuits, and state AGs."

Currently, users who already have the app installed can access TikTok, but new users are unable to download or update the app. Searching for TikTok on the App Store yields a message stating that the app is "not available in the country or region you're in," while Google Play says "downloads for this app are paused due to current US legal requirements."

This development comes as the latest chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding TikTok's future in the US. The app's fate remains uncertain, with the US government pushing for ByteDance to divest or face a nationwide ban. As the situation continues to unfold, users and industry observers alike are left wondering what the future holds for the popular social media platform.

The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the entire tech industry. As the US government continues to grapple with the challenges posed by foreign-owned social media platforms, the fate of TikTok serves as a bellwether for the future of online expression and commerce. One thing is clear: the story of TikTok's US presence is far from over, and the tech world will be watching with bated breath as events continue to unfold.