TikTok returns to US app stores after Trump delays ban. Photo courtesy: Natalie Semono/ The Post News
(The Post News)- TikTok returns to US app stores after Trump delays ban, which gave ByteDance a 75-day extension to comply. TikTok’s future was uncertain due to a law mandating its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell or face a ban by January 19. TikTok removed from US app stores on January 18 to comply with law, reinstated after Trump’s extension.
Trump signed an executive order seeking to delay by 75 days the enforcement of the law after taking office on January 20. TikTok faces US scrutiny due to Chinese ownership and access to American user data, sparking national security concerns. The TikTok ban stems from concerns over Chinese government exploiting app for spying and influencing US public opinion.
According to sources familiar with the matter who were not authorised to deal publicly said that Apple and Google received a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday. The letter informed companies that the Trump administration will not prosecute them for supporting TikTok. Bondi’s assurance that Trump would not find the companies was enough for Apple and Google to bring the app back.
Trump administration’s letter doesn’t shield Apple, Google from violating US law by hosting TikTok, legal experts warn.
Georgetown University law professor, Anupam Chander says some of the biggest corporations in tune world accepting the word of the Trump Justice Department that this statute won’t be weaponised against them. Chander further explains that this could help them stay on the good side of the Trump administration and address the financial hit they’re taking by not hosting TikTok on app stores. Representatives from Apple, Google and TikTok decline to comment.
US lawmakers worry that ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government could compromise Americans’ data and political views. Legal experts warn that the president’s order can’t override Congress; doing business with TikTok still punishable with steep fines.
The law offers one way out of this impasse which allows the president to undo the ban if he can show Congress that a deal has been made to server TikTok from ByteDance, which brings TikTok into compliance with the law. According to Trump, negotiations are underway and that he would like the U.S to have a 50% stake on the platform.
The long-term future of TikTok still remains uncertain. ByteDance has 50 days left to sell its US TikTok assets, but a sale may not restore the app as it was. Certain things such as the algorithm and terms of service may differ than what it used to be.
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