TikTok, the widely-used social media platform under the umbrella of Chinese technology giant ByteDance, faced a significant setback on January 18 when it was removed from both Apple and Google’s app stores. This action was taken to adhere to a law mandating ByteDance to divest the app or face a ban in the United States.
With a robust user base exceeding 170 million in the U.S., TikTok had previously experienced a brief service suspension, which lasted just one day. This interruption led to a surge of users migrating to RedNote, a competing Chinese social media platform, where they humorously dubbed themselves “TikTok refugees.”
Return to App Stores
After nearly a month of absence, TikTok made a comeback, becoming available for download once again in the U.S. Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This revival coincided with former President Trump’s signing of an executive order on his first day in office, extending the enforcement of a potential ban on TikTok until April 5.
The app has long been embroiled in controversy within the U.S., with government officials citing concerns over its Chinese ownership and the potential access to sensitive data of millions of American users as a national security threat. In response, TikTok has consistently denied allegations of sharing U.S. user data with the Chinese government, asserting that the law demanding its divestment or ban infringes upon the First Amendment rights of its American users.
During Trump’s first term, he initially supported a ban on TikTok but later expressed a change of heart, stating that he had developed a “warm spot” for the app. Notably, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, was present at Trump’s inauguration ceremony, highlighting the complex relationship between the platform and the former administration.
In a twist of potential solutions, Trump has floated the idea of TikTok being jointly owned, with American investors holding half of its ownership. Among the potential buyers are notable figures such as real estate mogul Frank McCourt, Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary, and popular YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, known as Mr. Beast.
