TikTok has officially returned to Apple and Google app stores in the US after a brief removal, following an executive order by President Trump that granted ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, a 75-day deadline to divest its US operations or face a potential ban. The move comes amid growing concerns over data privacy and national security, with US officials pushing for American ownership of the platform.
With over 170 million American users, TikTok remains one of the most influential social media platforms, particularly among younger audiences. Despite regulatory uncertainty, the app’s popularity continues to surge, recording more than 52 million downloads in 2024 alone—52% from Apple’s App Store and 48% from Google Play. Analysts estimate TikTok’s US operations could be worth around $50 billion.
The Biden administration, alongside congressional lawmakers, has expressed concerns that TikTok’s data policies could pose risks if user information is accessible to the Chinese government. In response, ByteDance has repeatedly denied allegations of data misuse and has taken steps to increase transparency, including storing US user data domestically through partnerships with American tech firms.
President Trump is currently in discussions with potential buyers, and a decision on TikTok’s future could be announced within the month. The situation remains fluid, with major tech companies, private equity firms, and investors closely watching the outcome. As negotiations continue, millions of users and businesses relying on TikTok for content creation, marketing, and e-commerce await clarity on the app’s long-term presence in the US.
Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, BBC, FinancialTimes
