TikTok returned to the U.S. app stores of Apple and Google on Thursday as President Donald Trump delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app and assured the tech giants they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining it.
The popular short video app used by nearly half of all Americans went dark briefly last month, before a law took effect on January 19 that requires its Chinese owner ByteDance either to sell it on national security grounds or face a ban.
The following day, Trump signed an executive order seeking to delay the enforcement of the ban by 75 days, allowing TikTok to continue its operations in the U.S. temporarily.
Although TikTok resumed service after Trump's assurances, Google, opens new tab and Apple, opens new tab kept the app removed from their U.S. app stores.
TikTok, the second-most downloaded app in the U.S. last year, said on Thursday that its latest app was now available for download.
The delay could have been because Google and Apple were awaiting assurances that they would not be prosecuted for hosting or distributing the app, according to analysts.
Trump's directive said the companies, which run mobile application stores or digital marketplaces where users can browse, download and update apps, would not face penalties for keeping the TikTok app up and running.
TikTok had more than 52 million downloads in 2024, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.
About 52% of its total downloads were from Apple App Store, while 48% were from Google Play in the U.S. last year, Sensor Tower said.
The law that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets or ultimately face a ban was signed by then President Joe Biden last April, triggered by national security concerns and fears that China could use the video-sharing app to spy on American users.
The U.S. has never banned a major social media platform and the law that passed last year gives the government sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps.
Trump said on Thursday that his 75-day deadline on TikTok could be extended.
The turmoil at TikTok attracted several potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who have expressed interest in the fast-growing business that analysts estimate could be worth as much as $50 billion.
Trump has said that he was in talks with multiple people over TikTok's purchase and would likely have a decision on the app's future in February.
TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, remains in a state of flux amid ongoing legal, political, and security challenges in the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration is in contact with four different groups regarding the sale of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media platform.
Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office has launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur handle and safeguard the personal data of child users. The inquiry comes amid growing concerns over the potential exposure of harmful content to young audiences on social media platform.
Frank McCourt announced on Monday that Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a noted venture capitalist, has joined his bid to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations.
ByteDance’s TikTok announced a major investment plan during an event in Bangkok on Friday, revealing that the popular social media platform will invest $8.8 billion in data centres across Thailand over the next five years.
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U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order cutting funding to Voice of America’s parent agency, forcing staff out.
Crowds in Aleppo and Damascus celebrated 14 years since the Syrian uprising that ousted Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s capital killed nine civilians as President Trump vowed to pressure Houthi rebels to halt maritime attacks.
Thousands protested in Tel Aviv, urging the government to negotiate a hostage deal and a ceasefire with Hamas.
Hundreds gathered outside the proposed site of China’s new London embassy, citing security concerns and opposition to the regime.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order cutting funding to Voice of America’s parent agency, forcing staff out.
Crowds in Aleppo and Damascus celebrated 14 years since the Syrian uprising that ousted Bashar al-Assad.
U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s capital killed nine civilians as President Trump vowed to pressure Houthi rebels to halt maritime attacks.
Thousands protested in Tel Aviv, urging the government to negotiate a hostage deal and a ceasefire with Hamas.
Hundreds gathered outside the proposed site of China’s new London embassy, citing security concerns and opposition to the regime.
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