Tiktok is back in the app store. This is what you need to know

Tiktok returned to Apple and Google App stores on Thursday night, weeks after it was cut in the wake of the US ban on popular social media apps that came into force in January.

Both Apple and Google were complying with the laws up to that day in order to comply with the law passed in Congress last year on January 19th, and to comply with Tiktok-compliant laws up until that day. Any company that supports Tiktok’s business after that date could face a massive fine.

Tiktok itself has temporarily darkened in the United States, but has now temporarily darkened before returning online after receiving assurances from President Donald Trump that it won’t be indicted. Trump later officially made it by signing an executive order on his first day, instructing the Attorney General not to enforce the 75-day ban. But it is unknown if it is unknown The order Give a legal convocation.

In the order, Trump consulted with his advisors, including the head of related federal agencies, and replied with the national security concerns raised by Tiktok, “a platform used by 170 million Americans.” “We pursue a resolution that saves and protects national security.”

The order can face legal challenges. It is unclear whether Trump has the authority to direct the Justice Department to not enforce the law. It was passed in both houses of Congress with broad margins and was signed into law last year by President Joe Biden.

Some of Tiktok’s online service providers have resumed supporting the app soon. The Tiktok website and mobile app are operational, but the app was not available to users who didn’t have it by January 19th, as the app wasn’t back in the Apple or Google app store until Thursday night.

Legislators from both parties have long voiced concerns Tiktok could be a threat to national security It can also be used by the Chinese government to spy on Americans and spread disinformation on the Chinese agenda. Tiktok continues to deny these accusations.

read more: Tiktok Backup: 6 Similar Apps for Everyday Fun

Under the law, Tiktok was either selling himself to a buyer deemed conformed by US officials until January 19th, or facing a federal ban. The President has the option to extend that period for 90 days, but only if certain conditions are met, such as whether sales are in progress.

Tiktok thanked Trump in a statement posted Social Media Platform x When I returned online on Sunday after a temporary darkness on Saturday night prior to the start of the ban. Tiktok CEO Shou Chew was also one of the leading technical executives with the main seat behind Trump at the inauguration.

“We will work together on a long-term solution to maintain President Trump and U.S. Tiktok,” the statement read.

So what exactly happened over the weekend, what’s next for Tiktok? This is what you need to know.

Weekend shutdown

Tiktok cited a law that was closed in the United States on the night of January 18th and banned it. But Trump said the next morning he would sign an executive order soon after taking office to postpone the ban, urging Tiktok to come back online.

In his true social platform postTrump asked companies that provide the online support Tiktok needs to operate in the US, and that they could face heavy fines for violating the ban.

He went on to propose the creation of a joint venture in which the US would take 50% position, but he did not specify whether it would mean a US company and the US government.

“By doing this, we’re going to save the Tiktok, keep it in good hands and make sure it continues to happen,” Trump said. “Without US approval, there is no Tiktok. With approval, it’s worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

The shutdown comes after a surge in statements heading into the weekend.

Tiktok said it would “be dark” on January 19th, unless it received a clear assurance from government officials that the ban would not come into effect last week. A statement issued by the Biden White House and the Department of Justice “failed to provide the necessary clarity and guarantees” to service providers needed to make Tiktok available in the US. Tiktok said in a statement on X.

However, the Biden White House calls Tiktok’s remarks a “stunt” and says there’s no reason for Tiktok or other companies to take any action before the Trump administration takes over on January 20th. I said NBC News calls the ban on Tiktok for 90 days since he took office “most likely.”

These statements came after the US Supreme Court last week Tiktok’s request has been denied To overturn the law, prohibitions are not free speech; Ownership and national security.

Trump, who called for the ban in his first term, says he doesn’t support the other. Trump’s lawyers ahead of the oral debate I submitted an amicus brief In the case. They didn’t side, but instead asked the court to delay the ban, giving Trump time to come up with a “political solution.”

What does the law do?

The law aims to force Tiktok’s China-based parent company, Baitedan, to sell Tiktok to a buyer American official. It also aims to ensure that Bali has no access to US user data or that control of the Tiktok algorithm is no longer accessible.

Government officials and politicians are concerned that China will require Tiktok to pass on US user data and can use it for intelligence reporting purposes. They worry that China could change Tiktok’s algorithm to inundate Americans with Chinese propaganda.

Tiktok was given a sales deadline of January 19th, as nine months was followed. At that point, the government may request that the app be removed from the US app store, and other tech companies will stop supporting the app and website.

Tiktok has long said that selling is not an option. Even if the 75-day extension is still retained, the issue does not resolve if the company still refuses to sell.

read more: Tiktok loves to give financial advice. But don’t believe everything you hear

What is Trump thinking?

After initially calling for a ban during the first presidency, Trump said in his 2024 campaign that he did not support it and pledged to “save Tiktok,” but he said Did not specify how to do this.

At a press conference in December, Trump pointed out the role Tiktok played during the election, believing that he helped young people win votes.

“We’re watching that because Tiktok has had an impact,” Trump told the press. “There’s a slightly warmer place in my heart. To be honest.”

Trump I said At CNBC’s Squawk Box in March, he still saw the app as a national security risk, but he didn’t think it should be banned anymore.

Trump added that banning Tiktok only boosts the power of Facebook, which he called “the enemy of people.”

Who opposed the ban on Tiktok?

Free speech and digital rights groups, like some security experts, have banned the group saying that removing Tiktok as singles will do nothing to solve the broader social media issues. I have been against the idea for a long time. Some have filed briefs in the High Court in favour of Tiktok.

Instead, they argue that it would be better to pass comprehensive digital privacy laws that protect American personal information by regulating the ability of all social media companies to collect, share and sell it. Masu.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation opposed the ban and submitted it, claiming it was unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Amicus’s letter In a Supreme Court case. However, digital rights groups said Tuesday it was unconstitutional to ignore the laws that Trump passed by Congress, signed by another president and endorsed by the Supreme Court.

“And we are also concerned about government pressure to force sales on the administration based on buyer familiarity, a particularly harmful type of “jawbone” forced.” “Unless Congress repeals this law, there are no winners here.”

CNET’s Edward Moyer contributed to this report.