TikTok Makes Its Way Back to Apple’s and Google Play Stores in America

Following assurances from the Trump administration, Getty Images TikTok has reappeared on both Apple and Google’s app stores in the United States. This development came after President Donald Trump extended a ban of the Chinese-owned social media platform until April 5th. The application had briefly been unavailable to American users last month as the deadline for enforcement approached.

Upon signing an executive order, Trump granted TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with legislation prohibiting its operation in the US unless sold. Although TikTok did not respond immediately when contacted by BBC News, Bloomberg reported that Apple and Google reinstated access based on assurances from the administration regarding liability protections.

The ban itself was passed with bipartisan support in Congress and signed into law by former President Joe Biden. The legislation mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell its US version of the platform or face an outright prohibition. Concerns were raised that TikTok could be exploited by China for espionage and political influence; however, both Beijing and the platform have consistently refuted these accusations.

Previous attempts at selling off TikTok’s operations in America were also met with resistance from Chinese authorities. Despite being upheld by the Supreme Court, a ban on TikTok was initially supported by US lawmakers across party lines but later changed under President Biden’s administration. During his presidential campaign, Trump had expressed reservations about the app and even visited ByteDance headquarters.

Trump’s recent executive order leaves several possibilities for who might acquire TikTok. Earlier suggestions included Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison as well as billionaire Elon Musk from the Department of Government Efficiency under the Biden administration. Other names have also been linked to this potential acquisition, such as billionaire Frank McCourt and Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary.

Even international figures like Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast on YouTube, claimed interest in purchasing TikTok after a flurry of inquiries following his declaration on social media. This resurgence has sparked speculation about the potential future ownership of one of the most used apps among American users.