Google Play reinstated TikTok on the U.S. app store on Thursday, following former President Donald Trump’s pledge to keep the app operational and an executive action that temporarily delayed its ban.
TikTok’s uncertain future stems from a law signed in April by then-President Joe Biden, which mandated that its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sell the platform to a U.S. or allied owner within 270 days or face a ban due to national security concerns. The day before TikTok’s removal, the Supreme Court upheld the law.
In January, TikTok experienced a 14-hour shutdown but quickly returned after Trump, then president-elect, vowed to keep the app running in the U.S. Despite this, its 175 million American users still faced issues, as TikTok, along with ByteDance-owned apps Lemon8 and CapCut, was removed from Apple and Google Play stores.
Apple previously stated that it delisted TikTok due to the ban, though the app remained accessible for those who had already downloaded it.
Ahead of taking office, Trump announced plans to delay the ban’s enforcement, allowing time for negotiations on national security concerns. His executive order, signed on January 20, gave TikTok another 75 days to secure a new owner.
Trump explained his shift in stance, stating he had personally used TikTok and acknowledged its popularity among young users. He emphasized that while concerns about data security were valid, there were more pressing issues regarding China. Trump also asserted that his executive action gave him the authority to either sell or shut down the platform, leaving the final decision pending.
