TikTok’s future in the United States is uncertain, as the app remained unavailable on both Apple and Google app stores on Tuesday. This follows President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order that delays a potential ban on the Chinese-owned app for 75 days.
Legal Order and National Security Concerns
The law, which cites national security concerns, went into effect on Sunday, requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the app or face a ban. While TikTok resumed operations after Trump assured that fines would not be imposed on the company or its partners, it has yet to return to the app stores.
Possible Delay Due to Legal Protections
Industry analysts suggest that the delay may be due to Google and Apple awaiting additional legal protections before making the app available. Hosting or distributing TikTok could result in penalties under the current law.
Confirmation from Apple and Google
Apple’s App Store and Google Play both confirmed TikTok’s unavailability. Apple stated, “TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you’re in,” while Google Play added, “Downloads for this app are paused due to current US legal requirements.”
Alternative to Sale Proposed by TikTok Investor
Meanwhile, Bill Ford, CEO of General Atlantic, a TikTok investor, suggested that altering the app’s U.S. ownership structure could provide an alternative to selling it. Ford noted that 60% of ByteDance is controlled by non-Chinese shareholders, including institutional investors like BlackRock and General Atlantic.