TikTok has once again become available for download on Apple and Google app stores in the United States after a temporary removal. The change comes as enforcement of a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform has been delayed until April 5.
The app, which has over 170 million users in the US, briefly disappeared last month as the initial deadline for the ban neared. However, an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump granted a 75-day extension for the app to comply with the law, which requires its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the US operations to a third party.
Bloomberg, which first reported the app's return, indicated that Apple and Google received assurances from government officials that they would not face penalties for allowing downloads while the ban is on hold.
The ban law, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress and was signed into law by former President Joe Biden, mandates that TikTok must separate from ByteDance to continue operating in the United States. The Biden administration has raised concerns about potential national security risks, suggesting the app could be used by the Chinese government for surveillance or political influence.
Both TikTok and Chinese officials have denied these claims, with Beijing publicly opposing any forced sale of the platform's US assets.
The legislation was upheld by the US Supreme Court, reinforcing the government’s authority to impose restrictions on the app if ownership requirements are not met.
Interestingly, while Donald Trump initially supported banning TikTok during his first term, he appeared to soften his stance more recently. During the last presidential campaign, Trump expressed a "warm spot" for the platform, pointing to the significant engagement his videos received.
As the new deadline approaches, TikTok's future in the US remains uncertain, with ongoing debates surrounding national security, free speech, and foreign ownership of digital platforms.
The app, which has over 170 million users in the US, briefly disappeared last month as the initial deadline for the ban neared. However, an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump granted a 75-day extension for the app to comply with the law, which requires its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the US operations to a third party.
Bloomberg, which first reported the app's return, indicated that Apple and Google received assurances from government officials that they would not face penalties for allowing downloads while the ban is on hold.
The ban law, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress and was signed into law by former President Joe Biden, mandates that TikTok must separate from ByteDance to continue operating in the United States. The Biden administration has raised concerns about potential national security risks, suggesting the app could be used by the Chinese government for surveillance or political influence.
Both TikTok and Chinese officials have denied these claims, with Beijing publicly opposing any forced sale of the platform's US assets.
The legislation was upheld by the US Supreme Court, reinforcing the government’s authority to impose restrictions on the app if ownership requirements are not met.
Interestingly, while Donald Trump initially supported banning TikTok during his first term, he appeared to soften his stance more recently. During the last presidential campaign, Trump expressed a "warm spot" for the platform, pointing to the significant engagement his videos received.
As the new deadline approaches, TikTok's future in the US remains uncertain, with ongoing debates surrounding national security, free speech, and foreign ownership of digital platforms.
