TikTok Back on App Stores as Trump Postpones US Ban

Photo : Reuters

TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores in the U.S. after being removed for some time. The app is used by almost half of Americans. It was taken down last month before a new rule started on January 19. This rule said that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, must sell the app or face a ban because of security concerns.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

The next day, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order to delay the ban for 75 days. This gave TikTok more time to work in the U.S.

Even after TikTok was allowed, Apple and Google did not add the app back right away. But on Thursday, new users could download TikTok again.

Experts think the delay happened because Apple and Google wanted to be sure they would not get in trouble for keeping TikTok on their stores. Trump’s order made it clear that these companies would not be punished for allowing TikTok.

Last year, TikTok was the second-most downloaded app in the U.S. It had over 52 million downloads. Research shows that 52% of these downloads came from the Apple App Store, while 48% were from Google Play.

In April, former U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law saying that ByteDance must sell TikTok’s U.S. business or face a ban. The U.S. government is worried that China could use TikTok to collect data from American users.

The U.S. has never banned a major social media app before. This new law also gives the government the power to ban or force the sale of other Chinese apps if needed.

Trump said on Thursday that the 75-day delay on TikTok’s ban might be extended, but he does not think it will be necessary. TikTok has not yet given a response.