US President Donald Trump has delayed a 75-day ban on Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, allowing it to continue its operations in the US temporarily. The popular short video app returned to Apple and Google’s US app stores after briefly going dark last month.
TikTok said its latest app is now available for download, despite Google and Apple keeping it removed from their US app stores initially. Analysts believe this delay was due to assurances that Trump would not prosecute the tech giants for hosting or distributing the app.
The ban was triggered by national security concerns and fears that China could use the app to spy on American users. The law allows the government sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps.
Trump said he might extend the deadline, and several potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in the fast-growing business estimated to be worth up to $50 billion. Trump has also stated that he is in talks with multiple people over TikTok’s purchase, which may lead to a decision by February.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-restore-tiktok-us-app-store-after-attorney-generals-letter-bloomberg-news-2025-02-14