TikTok Makes Triumphant Return to US App Stores After Trump Postpones Ban

Source: Africa Publicity

TikTok has resumed its place on Apple and Google’s US app stores, following President Donald Trump’s decision to delay the enforcement of a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform until April 5. The popular app, boasting over 170 million American users, had briefly gone dark last month as the ban deadline loomed.

Trump’s executive order granted TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law requiring its sale to a neutral party or face an outright ban. The ban, signed into law by former President Joe Biden, aimed to address concerns over TikTok’s potential use by China for spying and political manipulation. However, China and TikTok have consistently denied these allegations.

According to Bloomberg, Apple and Google received assurances from the Trump administration that they wouldn’t be held liable for allowing downloads, paving the way for TikTok’s return ¹. This development comes as a relief to TikTok’s millions of American users, who had expressed concerns over the app’s potential removal.

Trump’s change of heart on TikTok has raised eyebrows, given his previous support for banning the app during his first term in office. However, during last year’s presidential campaign, he appeared to have warmed up to the platform, boasting about the billions of views his videos attracted on TikTok.

The fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about its ownership and national security concerns. Potential buyers, including billionaire Frank McCourt, Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, and YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson (aka MrBeast), have been linked to the platform. Trump has also suggested the possibility of joint ownership, with the US holding a significant stake.

As the April 5 deadline approaches, TikTok’s future in the US hangs in the balance. One thing is certain, however – the platform’s millions of American users are breathing a sigh of relief as TikTok returns to their app stores.