TikTok has returned to Apple and Google app stores in the U.S. after President Donald Trump postponed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform. The app, used by nearly half of Americans, briefly went dark last month before a January 19 law required ByteDance, its Chinese owner, to sell its U.S. assets over national security concerns or face a ban.
The following day, Trump signed an executive order delaying the ban’s enforcement by 75 days, granting TikTok temporary reprieve. Analysts suggest Apple and Google awaited legal assurances they wouldn’t face prosecution for hosting the app before reinstating it.
TikTok announced Thursday its app is now available for download, marking a notable return for 2024’s second-most downloaded app in the U.S. The platform saw over 52 million downloads last year, with 52% from Apple’s App Store and 48% from Google Play, according to Sensor Tower.
The U.S. government continues to scrutinize TikTok over fears of potential data misuse by China. Former President Joe Biden signed a law last April requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to avoid a ban. The unprecedented move provides the government with broad powers to address similar concerns with other Chinese-owned apps.
Trump, who cited interest from potential buyers such as former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, stated Thursday that the 75-day deadline could be extended. A final decision on TikTok’s future is expected in February, with analysts valuing the platform at up to $50 billion.
Source: Swifteradio.com
