TikTok returns to the US Apple and Play store amid the government’s decision to postpone the ban. On January 18, Apple and Play Store removed the short-video app considering the Federal court’s decision to ban the app. TikTok owner ByteDance was told to divest from its app and to sell it to a US company and if not sold it would be banned from the country.
The popular social media app, with over 170 million American users, briefly suspended its services in the US before returning after Trump promised to delay the ban.
TikTok Returns on Apple & Google Play Store
On February 14, the TikTok US handle announced that the app is back on the Apple and Play store in the US. After nearly a month, the TikTok app returned to the US Apple App Store and Google Play Store. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order pushing the ban enforcement to April 5.
TikTok has faced ongoing issues in the US, with the government claiming its Chinese ownership and access to American user data pose a national security threat. TikTok denies sharing US data with the Chinese government and argues that the ban violates the First Amendment rights of its users.
New US Government Sides With TikTok
During Trump’s first term, he initially supported banning TikTok but later changed his stance, saying he had a “warm spot” for the app. The new US Government suggested TikTok could be co-owned, with half of it being American. Potential buyers include real estate mogul Frank McCourt, Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary, and famous YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, aka Mr. Beast.
Perplexity AI Merger Proposal
Recently, Perplexity AI submitted a proposal allowing the US government to hold 50% ownership of a new merger created after a future IPO. Sources say the proposal shared with ByteDance and potential investors mentions a new company called “NewCo.” The plan suggests ByteDance contribute to TikTok U.S., excluding its core recommendation algorithm, in exchange for its investors getting shares in the new company. Perplexity AI would also join, offering its investors equity in the new company.
What’s Ahead for TikTok?
TikTok’s extension until April gives creators some relief, but they shouldn’t get too comfortable. This extra time likely allows ByteDance to negotiate a sale or restructure to address US concerns. Creators should use this time to build audiences on other platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts for stability, no matter what happens to TikTok.
