Apple and Google have reinstated TikTok in U.S. app stores, ending a nearly month-long standoff following a law banning the app that took effect in January. This move allows TikTok to be downloaded again and enables the company to send updates and security fixes.
The tech giants removed TikTok on January 19 after Congress passed a law, supported by the Supreme Court, prohibiting businesses from supporting the app due to its ties to ByteDance, a Beijing-based company. However, Apple and Google were assured by Attorney General Pam Bondi that the Trump administration would not prosecute them for hosting TikTok. This assurance prompted the companies to restore the app.
Despite the promise from the Trump administration, legal experts warn that Apple and Google may still be violating U.S. law. The law imposes hefty fines on businesses working with TikTok, which could amount to billions of dollars.
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Lawmakers remain concerned about ByteDance’s potential influence from the Chinese government, which could jeopardize Americans’ data. Trump previously issued an executive order protecting companies that work with TikTok, and discussions are ongoing about a potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to American investors like Oracle or Microsoft.
Other bidders, including content creator Mr. Beast, are also interested in purchasing TikTok.
