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TikTok is once again available on the App Store and Google Play in the United States after President Donald Trump postponed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app. The decision ensures that Google and Apple will not face penalties for hosting or distributing TikTok, allowing the app to return to US platforms on Thursday.
Nearly half of all Americans use the popular short video app, which went quiet for a brief period last month. On January 19, a law was passed that demands ByteDance, the app’s Chinese owner, to sell it or face a ban, citing national security concerns.
Trump sought to postpone the ban’s execution by 75 days the next day through an executive order, so TikTok could temporarily keep operating in the US.
Despite Trump’s promises, TikTok remained unavailable in the United States on both Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Thursday saw the release of TikTok’s newest app, which the company claims was the second most downloaded app in the US last year.
A few analysts believe that the wait was caused by Google and Apple seeking guarantees that they would not face prosecution for app hosting or distribution.
Companies that operate digital marketplaces or mobile application stores where users can search for download, and update apps were exempt from penalties for maintaining the TikTok app’s availability per Trump’s order.
According to business analytics firm Sensor Tower, TikTok has over 52 million downloads in 2024.
In the United States, Sensor Tower found that 48% of its downloads came from Google Play and 52% came from the Apple App Store in the previous year.
In April of last year, then-President Joe Biden signed a bill that would force ByteDance to remove its U.S. assets from TikTok or risk a ban. This move was motivated by concerns about national security and the possibility that China may use the app to spy on American users.
US Government’s Stance on Chinese-Owned Apps
U.S. law grants broad authorities to restrict or seek the sale of other apps held by Chinese companies; yet, no major social media site has ever been banned by the government.
On Thursday, Trump hinted that he may be willing to extend his 75-day deadline with TikTok.
The chaos at TikTok drew numerous possible buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who indicated interest in the fast-growing company, which analysts believe may be worth $50 billion.
A decision regarding the future of the app is expected in February, according to Trump, who has stated that he was in discussions with various individuals over the purchase of TikTok.
