TikTok Returns To US! Apple App Store, Google Play Brings App Back. Here's What Trump's Got To Do With It
Trump also suggested that the 75-day grace period could be extended if necessary.
TikTok has made its way back onto Apple and Google’s US app stores after President Donald Trump temporarily delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform. The decision provides a brief reprieve for the app, which had faced removal due to national security concerns linked to its parent company, ByteDance.
The short-form video platform, which boasts nearly half of the US population as users, was briefly unavailable last month before a law requiring ByteDance to divest its US operations took effect on January 19. This law, signed by former President Joe Biden in April 2024, was introduced over fears that the Chinese government could exploit the app for surveillance purposes.
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What Did Trump Order?
In response to the looming ban, Trump issued an executive order postponing enforcement by 75 days, allowing TikTok to continue operating while negotiations unfold. Despite this delay, Apple and Google had initially refrained from reinstating the app, reportedly waiting for explicit assurances that they would not face legal consequences for hosting it.
Trump’s directive ultimately clarified that companies operating digital marketplaces, such as Apple and Google, would not be penalised for allowing TikTok on their platforms. Following this confirmation, the app became available for download once again on Thursday, enabling new users to access it.
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How Popular Is TikTok In The US?
As reported by Reuters, market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported that TikTok had over 52 million downloads in the US last year, with Apple’s App Store accounting for 52 per cent of installations and Google Play contributing 48 per cent. The app remains one of the most popular downloads nationwide.
The broader legislation granting the US government the authority to ban or force the sale of foreign-owned apps marks a significant shift in policy. While no major social media platform has ever been banned in the US, the law paves the way for further action against Chinese-owned digital services.
On Thursday, Trump suggested that the 75-day grace period could be extended if necessary. TikTok has yet to issue an official response regarding the latest developments.
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