TikTok, the second-most downloaded app within the US final yr, may very well be downloaded from US app shops by new customers on Thursday.
The delay may have been as a result of Google and Apple had been awaiting assurances that they’d not be prosecuted for internet hosting or distributing the app, in keeping with analysts.
Trump’s directive mentioned the businesses, which run cell software shops or digital marketplaces the place customers can browse, obtain and replace apps, wouldn’t face penalties for holding the TikTok app up and working.
TikTok had greater than 52 million downloads in 2024, in keeping with market intelligence agency Sensor Tower.
About 52 per cent of its complete downloads had been from Apple App Retailer, whereas 48 per cent had been from Google Play within the US final yr, Sensor Tower mentioned.
The regulation that requires ByteDance to promote TikTok’s US belongings or finally face a ban was signed by former President Joe Biden in April, triggered by nationwide safety considerations and fears that China may use the video-sharing app to spy on American customers.
The US has by no means banned a serious social media platform and the regulation that handed final yr offers the Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or search the sale of different Chinese language-owned apps.
Trump mentioned on Thursday that his 75-day deadline on TikTok may very well be prolonged, however mentioned he doesn’t suppose that will probably be essential.
TikTok didn’t instantly reply to a Reuters request for remark.
