TikTok returns to major US app stores after Trump reassures tech giants

TikTok is back on Apple and Google’s US app stories after President Trump said the tech giants would not be fined if they reactivated it.

They removed the hugely popular video-sharing app after a law came into effect on 19 January – the day before Mr Trump was inaugurated – requiring its Chinese owner ByteDance to sell up or face a ban.

There were concerns that Beijing could use TikTok to spy on American users and the app, used by almost half of all Americans, briefly went dark.

But the service was restored after Mr Trump said he would sign an executive order delaying the ban’s enforcement, which he duly did, with a 75-day deadline.

Both Apple and Google kept it off their app stores, however.

Now, the president has provided reassurances that neither firm will face penalties if they offer TikTok for download.

He has also said his two-and-a-half month deadline could be extended, but doubts that will be necessary.

As it considers its future in North America, TikTok still needs to convince US officials it does not threaten national security.

One way to do that would be to find a US owner for its American operation.

There is speculation it could be valued at around $100bn (£80bn) if it is sold with its algorithm.

“We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States,” it previously said in a statement.

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In the UK, TikTok remains banned on all UK government phones – despite ministers launching an official account.

The ‘UK Gov’ account was created last week and has so far posted a series of public service messages on topics including digital driving licences and Labour’s plan to boost neighbourhood policing.

There were more than 52 million downloads of TikTok in 2024, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, in a 52/48 split between Apple and Google respectively.