LEMON BLOG

Less than a day after going offline, TikTok announced it is back online following assurances from President-elect Donald Trump to the company's service providers—likely Apple, Google, and Oracle—that his administration would not enforce a previously proposed ban on the app. "TikTok is currently in the process of restoring services in collaboration with our providers," the company stated. "We appreciate President Trump for offering the necessary clarity and assurance, ensuring our providers won't face penalties for delivering TikTok to over 170 million Americans and supporting more than 7 million small businesses. This marks a significant step in defending the First Amendment and opposing unwarranted censorship. We look forward to working with President Trump on a long-term strategy to keep TikTok operational in the U.S."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians living abroad not to underestimate the technological progress, expertise, and talent present in their home country. He highlighted that Malaysia continues to earn global recognition for its technological capabilities, with many international investors choosing to reinvest after years of successful business operations in the country. Anwar cited Infineon Technologies AG, Germany's leading semiconductor manufacturer, as an example. The company recently invested an additional six billion euros, acknowledging Malaysia's expertise, technology, and talent as being on par with Germany. He made these remarks in response to a question during a gathering with over 700 members of the Malaysian diaspora on Friday.

The objective of the 5G network service is not just to ensure full coverage but to focus on areas that can yield the greatest advantages, such as industrial zones. According to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the ministry has pinpointed more than 67 industrial zones that will be prioritized for the rollout of the technology.

On Saturday, TikTok became inaccessible in the U.S. just before a federal ban on the Chinese-owned short-video platform took effect. The app, which had engaged nearly half of the American population, supported small businesses, and influenced online culture, was cut off from users. 

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently in talks with Microsoft, the owner of LinkedIn, about the platform's licensing requirements.