TikTok Resurfaces in US App Stores Amid Ongoing Battle
Background: The TikTok Conundrum
TikTok, the controversial short-video app, has re-emerged in Apple and Google app stores in the United States. This development follows a letter from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, as reported by Bloomberg Finance. American users who had hastily deleted the app after the ban deadline and during the temporary shutdown were unable to download it again until now.
In August 2020, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning TikTok, citing national security concerns. Companies operating mobile app stores or digital marketplaces were threatened with sanctions if they continued to offer the TikTok app. However, in September, Trump granted a 75-day stay of execution, exempting companies from the threat of sanctions.
Trump Prolongs TikTok’s Lifeline
Now, Trump is signaling an even longer reprieve for TikTok’s impending ban in the US. He expressed confidence that the deadline could be further extended but doubted the necessity, given the immense interest in TikTok.
Last year, legislation was passed requiring TikTok’s China-based owner, Bytedance, to divest itself of TikTok by January 19, 2021, if the app wished to remain operational in the US. Trump has steadfastly maintained that the service must come under American control. At one point, he suggested that the US government should receive a 50% stake.
China’s Role
Trump acknowledged that a deal for TikTok would likely require China’s consent. However, he believes that Beijing would be cooperative, as it is in their best interest as well. The Chinese government has prohibited the sale of algorithms, such as TikTok’s, abroad without its approval. This software determines the videos users are shown, forming the foundation of the platform.
Legal Considerations
Trump’s extensions for TikTok do not rely on the law regarding foreign ownership of online platforms. That law only permits the US President to grant a one-time 90-day deferment if promising sales negotiations are underway. However, TikTok and Bytedance have so far declined to discuss a divestment.
Security Concerns
In the US, concerns have been raised that the Chinese government could use TikTok to gather information about American users and influence public opinion. TikTok denies these allegations.
Popularity and Impact
TikTok has garnered a massive user base in the United States, with 170 million active users. According to market research firm Sensor Tower, TikTok ranked as the second most downloaded app in the US in 2020.
Conclusion
The saga of TikTok in the US continues to unfold. Despite the impending ban, the app has made its way back into app stores. Trump’s willingness to prolong its presence suggests that the future of TikTok in America remains uncertain. The ongoing battle over national security, ownership, and the role of China in the tech landscape will undoubtedly shape the outcome of this high-stakes tech drama.
