Disagree, Disappointed: TikTok Responds To US Blocking App Downloads & Updates From Sunday

The app's downloads and updates are to be banned from Sunday while a more extensive ban will follow from November 12.

Representational Image (Getty)

San Francisco: Popular Chinese video app TikTok has expressed its disappointment over the decision announced by the US Commerce Department blocking the download and update of the application from Sunday.  "We disagree with the decision from the Commerce Department, and are disappointed that it stands to block new app downloads from Sunday and ban the use of the TikTok app in the US from November 12," a TikTok representative said in a statement acquired by Xinhua. "Our community of 100 million U.S. users loves TikTok because it's a home for entertainment, self-expression, and connection, and we're committed to protecting their privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform." The US Commerce Department announced on Friday that the distribution of TikTok on app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store will be prohibited, and a stricter ban against the app will be imposed from November 12. TikTok's users who already have downloaded the app can continue using it, but they will not receive any app updates from Sunday. According to the details provided by the company till June, the total number of monthly active users on TikTok in the US are 91,937,040 and based on quarterly usage, 100 million Americans use the app. Meanwhile, the White House was reported to look at the proposal raised by TikTok, which the company believes "would resolve the Administration's security concerns". Oracle had confirmed earlier this week that it had reached a deal with the app's parent company, ByteDance, to be it's US trusted partner. Talking to the media, US President Donald Trump has said that the deal has his "blessing" and that he approves it in concept. Earlier, Trump and some other politicians have earlier expressed their suspicions on TikTok, claiming that it perhaps poses a national security threat to the country, though no evidence has been provided to support the allegations. On August 6, Trump issued an executive order banning US transactions with ByteDance, citing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The ban will take effect on September 20. On August 14, he signed a second executive order that will force ByteDance to sell or spin off its U.S. TikTok business within 90 days. (With Agency Inputs) WATCH | US: Package containing poison 'Ricin' sent to President Trump