TikTok Returns To US App Stores

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The popular app, which is used by more than 170 million American users, was subsequently withdrawn from the the US market.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 Access To Apple User Data Condemned
DeepSeek: Revolutionary AI, Or The “Sputnik” Of Big Tech? »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

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

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

This year, Infosecurity Europe marks 30 years of bringing the global cybersecurity community together to further our joint mission of Building a Safer Cyber World.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

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.

Bulb Security

Bulb Security

Whether your internal red team or penetration testing team needs training, or you lack internal resources and need an outsourced penetration test, Bulb Security can help.

Code42

Code42

Code42 CrashPlan, is an enterprise SaaS solution that backs up all distributed end-user data on a single, secure platform.

CYBERPOL

CYBERPOL

CYBERPOL is the leading Public Utility Agency for investigating cyber crimes and cyber attacks by criminals, international adversaries.

Kroll

Kroll

Kroll provides clients a way to build, protect and maximize value through our differentiated financial and risk advisory and intelligence.

Mantix4

Mantix4

Mantix4’s M4 Cyber Threat Hunting Platform actively defends against cyber threats.

Sqreen

Sqreen

Sqreen is a web application security monitoring and protection solution helping companies protect their apps and users from attacks.

Netsafe

Netsafe

Netsafe is an independent, non-profit New Zealand organisation focused on online safety. We help people stay safe online by providing online safety education, advice and support.

ConvergeOne

ConvergeOne

ConvergeOne is a leading global IT services provider of collaboration and technology solutions including cybersecurity.

SOFTwarfare

SOFTwarfare

SOFTwarfare deliver high-quality, reliable and secure enterprise application integrations through RESTful APIs for Cyber, Ops & Dev.

Cyphere

Cyphere

Cyphere is a cyber security company that helps to secure most prized assets of a business. We provide technical risk assessment (pen testing/ethical hacking) and managed security services.

Apex Systems

Apex Systems

Apex Systems is a world-class technology services business that incorporates industry insights and experience to deliver solutions that fulfill our clients’ digital visions.

Snare

Snare

Snare is a comprehensive set of event monitoring and analysis tools designed to address critical auditing and security requirements.

CipherStash

CipherStash

CipherStash is a complete data governance and breach prevention platform.

Leaf IT

Leaf IT

Leaf IT are a pioneering cloud-first MSP, dedicated to helping businesses in the UK and Ireland. We focus on delivering tangible results for our clients through IT transformation.

IT Solutions Consulting

IT Solutions Consulting

IT Solutions is a full-service IT partner providing managed services and other information technology solutions nationwide.

Tracer

Tracer

Tracer (formerly Appdetex) is a next-generation brand protection solution. It constantly finds, analyzes, and stops brand abuse across Web2 and Web3 digital channels.