TikTok Returns to U.S. App Stores Amid Ban Delays

TikTok has made its way back to Apple and Google app stores in the United States after a temporary removal, following a delay in the platform’s potential ban by President Donald Trump.

The popular short-video app, owned by Chinese technology giant ByteDance, was taken down from app stores on January 18 in compliance with U.S. legislation mandating ByteDance to either sell the app or face a nationwide ban.

With a user base exceeding 170 million Americans, TikTok briefly suspended its operations in the U.S. before resuming services. The suspension led to a surge in downloads of RedNote, another Chinese social media app, as TikTok users sought alternatives, referring to themselves as “TikTok refugees.”

After nearly a month of absence, TikTok is once again available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the U.S. On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for the app’s potential ban until April 5.

The platform has long faced scrutiny in the U.S., with officials citing concerns over national security due to its Chinese ownership and the potential for unauthorized access to American user data. TikTok has consistently denied allegations of data sharing with the Chinese government and has argued that efforts to either ban or force a sale of the app infringe upon the First Amendment rights of its American users.

During his previous term, Trump initially pushed for a TikTok ban but later softened his stance, expressing a certain fondness for the platform. TikTok CEO Shou Chew was even present at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.

"I believe the U.S. should be entitled to half of TikTok, and congratulations, TikTok would gain a strong partner," Trump said to reporters. "If I don’t sign off, it’s worthless. If I do, it’s worth a trillion dollars."

Additionally, earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order establishing a sovereign wealth fund, which he suggested could be used to acquire TikTok. Despite these developments, ByteDance has remained firm in its position, asserting that TikTok is not for sale and will continue to operate under its ownership.

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