TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores in the US.

TikTok has returned to US Apple and Google app stores after a ban was postponed until April 5. The app, used by 170 million Americans, briefly went dark as the deadline approached. Former President Donald Trump granted a 75-day extension for TikTok to comply with a law requiring its sale to a neutral party. The ban, signed into law by Joe Biden, aimed to prevent potential Chinese influence. Trump, who previously supported banning TikTok, has since expressed interest in a compromise. Potential buyers include Oracle’s Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, and investor Kevin O’Leary.

TikTok has returned to Apple and Google app stores in the US after the enforcement of its ban was postponed. The platform, which has over 170 million American users, briefly became unavailable as the initial deadline for the ban approached. However, former President Donald Trump later signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension, allowing it to remain accessible while discussions over its sale continue.

Background of the Ban

The US government has long expressed concerns that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be used by the Chinese government for surveillance and political influence. As a result, Congress passed a bipartisan law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to a neutral third party to prevent a complete ban. President Joe Biden signed this law, reinforcing the national security concerns raised by officials.

Although the law was upheld by the US Supreme Court, its enforcement was delayed. Trump’s executive order effectively paused the ban, allowing the app to remain in stores for an extended period. Reports suggest that Apple and Google reinstated TikTok after receiving assurances from the Trump administration that they would not be held responsible for allowing downloads while the ban was under review.

Trump’s Changing Stance on TikTok

During his first term, Trump supported banning TikTok due to security concerns. However, his stance softened during the 2024 presidential race, where he acknowledged TikTok’s massive user base and its role in digital campaigning. He even praised the platform for the billions of views his content received, indicating a newfound appreciation for its influence.

Trump’s shift in perspective was further solidified when TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew, met with him after his electoral victory and later attended his inauguration. This meeting suggested ongoing discussions about a possible resolution that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the US without fully complying with the mandated sale.

Potential Buyers for TikTok

Several high-profile figures have been linked to potential deals for TikTok’s US operations. Trump floated an idea in which a buyer could purchase TikTok and split ownership between the US government and the investors to secure a regulatory permit. Among those rumored to be interested are:

1. Larry Ellison (Oracle Co-founder) – Oracle had previously attempted to acquire TikTok in 2020 as part of an earlier attempt to address US security concerns.
2. Elon Musk – The billionaire, known for leading Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), has been mentioned as a possible buyer.
3. Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank investor) – The Canadian businessman has reportedly expressed interest.
4. Frank McCourt (Billionaire businessman) – Another name that has surfaced in acquisition discussions.
5. Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast, YouTube Star) – MrBeast claimed he was contacted by investors about a potential deal after he publicly expressed interest.

What’s Next for TikTok?

The future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. While Trump has indicated he wants a compromise, his comments suggest he may favor an alternative solution that does not require a full sale. Meanwhile, TikTok’s return to app stores signals that the ban is on hold for now, but legal and political battles are likely to continue. ByteDance and China have denied allegations of surveillance, and Beijing has rejected calls for a forced sale.

If TikTok fails to meet the sale deadline, the ban could be enforced again, leading to another removal from app stores and potential legal challenges from the company and users. The situation remains fluid as discussions continue among US officials, investors, and TikTok executives.

#TikTok #USBan #Trump #ByteDance #SocialMedia #NationalSecurity #TechNews #TikTokBan #ElonMusk #LarryEllison #Oracle #MrBeast #KevinOLeary #SharkTank #China #JoeBiden #AppStore #GooglePlay #TikTokSale