TikTok Returns To US App Stores

Uploaded on 2025-02-18 in TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Social Media, NEWS-Cybersecurity News, GOVERNMENT-National, FREE TO VIEW

Chinese owned social media platform TikTok will return to being available for download by US users, as Donald Trump takes time to consider its future in the US, where it has been facing a court-enforced blanket ban  due to concerns over national security. 

The popular app, which is used by more than 170 million American users, was subsequently withdrawn from the the US market.

TikTok's return comes after President Donald Trump postponed the enforcement ban of the social media platform until the 5th of April, signing an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law banning the app if it is not sold. 

According to Bloomberg, the decision to resume its availability came after Apple and Google received assurances from the Trump administration that they would not be held liable for allowing downloads, and the ban wouldn't be enforced for now. The ban, which passed with a bipartisan vote in Congress, was signed into law by former President Joe Biden. It ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the US version of the platform to a neutral party to avert an outright ban.

The Biden administration had argued that TikTok could be used by China as a tool for Spying and Political Manipulation China and TikTok have repeatedly denied those accusations. The Chinese government has previously rejected calls for a sale of TikTok's US operations.

Trump himself had supported banning the app during his first term in office but he appeared to have a change of heart last year during the presidential race.

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.The turmoil at TikTok attracted several potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team  owner Frank McCourt, who have expressed interest in the fast-growing business that analysts estimate could be worth as much as $50bn.

Despite the assurance given to Google and Apple, some legal experts say that a letter from the Trump administration promising to not prosecute can still mean they  are in violation of US law.

In comment, Georgetown University law professor Anupam Chander said "You now have some of the biggest corporations in the world accepting the word of the Trump Justice Department that this statute won't be weaponised against them...

"This could help them stay on the good side of the Trump administration and address the financial hit they're taking by not hosting TikTok on app stores."

Bloomberg   |    BBC   |    APNews   |   Reuters   |   Guardian   |   CNN   |    NPR  |  Indpendent 

Image: eyestix studio 

You Might Also Read: 

EU Threatens TikTok Lite With Suspension:

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 6,500-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.

  • Individual £5 per month or £50 per year. Sign Up
  • Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request

Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible

 



 

« Backdoor To Apple User Data Condemned

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81
Cyrin

Real Attacks. Real Tools. Real Scenarios.
Schedule a demo

Go Cyber

Training that transforms behaviours

Sign Up: Cyber Security Intelligence Newsletter

Directory of Suppliers

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

LockLizard

LockLizard

Locklizard provides PDF DRM software that protects PDF documents from unauthorized access and misuse. Share and sell documents securely - prevent document leakage, sharing and piracy.

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

Alvacomm offers holistic VIP cybersecurity services, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Our solutions include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

DARPA's mission is to develop breakthrough technologies for national security. The Information Innovation Office undertakes cyber security activities.

Spiceworks

Spiceworks

Spiceworks provide a range of free apps for IT professionals including network inventory, network monitor, and help desk.

Airbus Cybersecurity

Airbus Cybersecurity

Airbus CyberSecurity is a European specialist in cyber security. Our mission is to protect governments, military and critical national infrastructure enterprises from cyber threats.

Soracom

Soracom

Soracom offers secure, scalable, cloud-native connectivity developed specifically for the Internet of Things.

MonsterCloud

MonsterCloud

MonsterCloud is a leader in managed cyber security services. Our cyber security team constantly monitors and protects businesses from cyber threats.

CyberGuru

CyberGuru

CyberGuru is a service provided by CyberSecurity Malaysia specializing in cyber security professional training and development.

Venrock

Venrock

Venrock helps entrepreneurs build some of the world's most disruptive, successful companies. We invest in technology: Security, Cloud Services, Big Data, Healthcare IT, AdTech.

Innosphere Ventures

Innosphere Ventures

Innosphere Ventures is Colorado’s leading science and technology incubator, accelerating the success of high-impact startup and scaleup companies.

BetaDen

BetaDen

BetaDen provides a revolutionary platform for businesses to develop next-generation technology, such as the internet of things and industry 4.0.

Inflexor Ventures

Inflexor Ventures

Inflexor Ventures is a technology focused venture capital firm that invests in early stage companies from seed to Series-A+ stages.

Havoc Shield

Havoc Shield

Havoc Shield is an all-in-one information security platform that includes everything a growing team needs to secure their remote workforce.

KingsGuard Solutions

KingsGuard Solutions

KingsGuard Solutions is a San Diego Cybersecurity company that specializes in complex and innovative security solutions for companies throughout Southern California.

Finite State

Finite State

Finite State enables product security teams to protect the devices we rely on every day through market-leading software threat, vulnerability, and risk management.

Scalarr

Scalarr

Scalarr is an innovative, next-generation cyber security firm focused on automation and AI to detect and prevent threats in mobile and Edge/IoT infrastructures.

UFS Technology

UFS Technology

UFS, the bank technology outfitter for community banks, provides purpose-built, bank-exclusive technology services and solutions including cybersecurity.

ReformIT

ReformIT

ReformIT is a Managed IT Service and Security provider with many years experience helping companies find the right IT solutions to meet the needs of their businesses.