TikTok has made a comeback on Apple and Google app stores nearly a month after a U.S. security law forced its removal, AFP journalists confirmed on Thursday.
The Chinese-owned social media platform, which faces a potential ban in the United States over national security concerns, was removed from app stores on January 18. Lawmakers fear that the app’s data collection practices could be exploited by the Chinese government to spy on Americans or manipulate public opinion.
However, the app was reinstated after newly inaugurated President Donald Trump issued a 75-day pause on enforcing the law, which had been signed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, and passed by Congress. Despite this pause, Apple and Google only restored TikTok to their platforms this week.
The law, which remains in effect, mandates TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership or face an outright ban. Companies violating the restrictions could face fines of up to $5,000 per user.
Trump, who had previously attempted to ban TikTok during his first term, has since expressed a softer stance on the platform. He has suggested a potential joint venture between ByteDance and U.S. firms but has not provided details on how such a deal would work.
“We may need approval from China too… but I’m sure they’ll approve it, or it would be a hostile act,” Trump said, hinting at possible trade retaliation if Beijing blocks the deal.
TikTok, launched internationally in 2017 after originating as Douyin in China, continues to face scrutiny from governments worldwide over concerns about data privacy and its ties to Beijing.
