TikTok returns to Apple and Google App Stores, following Donald Trump’s ban delay

TikTok has made a comeback on the Apple and Google app stores in the United States after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban on the popular short-video app. The ban, initially set to take effect on January 19, 2025, was postponed by 75 days through an executive order signed by Trump, allowing the app to continue its operations temporarily.
The decision to delay the ban came after concerns were raised about the app’s Chinese ownership and potential national security risks. The law, passed by Congress and signed by former President Joe Biden, required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban. However, Trump’s executive order has provided a temporary reprieve, giving his administration time to determine the appropriate course of action.
TikTok, which boasts 170 million American users, had gone dark in the US for several weeks before the app was restored on the app stores. The delay in the ban has allowed Apple and Google to reinstate TikTok without facing penalties for distributing or maintaining the app.
The move has sparked discussions about the future of TikTok in the US and the broader implications of regulating foreign-owned apps. While the delay provides temporary relief, the app’s long-term fate remains uncertain as the administration continues to negotiate a resolution that addresses national security concerns.