Tiktok returns to app stores as Trump pauses enforcement
Apple and Google have restored TikTok to their app stores. The tech giants made this decision on Thursday after receiving assurance from Attorney General Pam Bondi that the app's ban in the United States would not be enforced.
Apple and Google removed TikTok from U.S. app stores last month to comply with a law passed in 2024. However, the situation shifted with the start of Donald Trump's administration. On January 20, he issued an order directing the attorney general to pause enforcement of the law for 75 days, allowing his administration time to determine the appropriate next steps.
Change in the U.S. regarding TikTok. There is an immediate move
As first reported by Bloomberg, both apps were once again available in the Apple App Store and Google Play on Thursday evening.
For many weeks, the United States was uncertain about the future of TikTok. There are still no guarantees that the app will be available in the country long term. Americans' concerns that the popular app could be used to spy on United States citizens prompted China to require its companies to share data with the government upon request.
A TikTok representative declined to comment on the matter.
Federal regulations, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, were supported in Congress by Democrats and Republicans. President Joe Biden signed them in April 2024. The law banned TikTok unless the Chinese ByteDance company undertakes a qualified sale by January 19.
Trump had initially supported the TikTok ban in the United States but reversed his stance after the presidential elections, citing that a significant portion of his supporters use the app. He acknowledged that his perspective on TikTok had changed over time when signing the executive order on January 20.
If the Chinese do not negotiate an agreement by the beginning of April regarding the solution to the app's security issues, TikTok may once again be banned in the United States. ByteDance representatives maintain that TikTok is not for sale. Meanwhile, Donald Trump suggested that Elon Musk purchase the app.
