TikTok Returns to App Stores After Trump Delays Ban Enforcement
TikTok has been reinstated in the Apple and Google app stores in the US following President Donald Trump's postponement of a ban. The app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, was removed on January 18th due to a law requiring divestment or prohibition in the US.
TikTok, with over 170 million American users, initially suspended its services for a day before resuming after Trump's assurances. Amidst the suspension, many users flocked to the Chinese app RedNote, referring to themselves as "TikTok refugees."
After almost a month, TikTok became available for download again in the US App Store and Google Play Store. On his first day in office, Trump extended the ban to April 5th.
TikTok has faced scrutiny from the US government over concerns about its Chinese ownership and potential access to American data. The company denies sharing user information with the Chinese government and argues that the divestment law violates the First Amendment rights of its users.
Initially, Trump supported banning TikTok, but later reversed his stance, expressing his fondness for the app. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was present at Trump's inauguration.
Trump has proposed a joint ownership model for TikTok, with half belonging to American investors. Potential buyers include Frank McCourt, Kevin O'Leary, and Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast).