TikTok is returning for US users after a brief weekend shutdown, but the app remains unavailable for new downloads from Apple and Google app stores.
Even with a temporary reprieve granted by former President Donald Trump, new users eager to join the short-video phenomenon may have to wait.
Existing TikTok Users Rejoice, New Downloads Blocked
After a brief outage on Sunday, longtime TikTok users found the app back online. Although TikTok is banned but still alive, you can no longer use it normally unlike before.
Those with the app already installed on their devices could resume their scrolling and content creation without interruption. However, for those who deleted the app or are attempting to download it for the first time, the situation is less optimistic.
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What Happens in the Google Play Store?
According to USA Today, Android users searching for TikTok in the Google Play Store encounter an unclickable app logo accompanied by the message: "Downloads for this app are paused due to current U.S. legal requirements."
What Happens in the Apple App Store?
iPhone users face a similar roadblock. Searching for TikTok results in a notice stating: "TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you're in."
Both platforms direct users to support pages outlining the legal requirements restricting TikTok's availability.
Why TikTok Is Unavailable for New Downloads
The app's removal stems from a bipartisan law signed in April over national security concerns. U.S. officials fear TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could share user data with the Chinese government or influence the content shown to American users.
Former President Trump extended enforcement of the ban for 75 days, granting ByteDance more time to sell its U.S. operations. While existing users were briefly locked out, TikTok has since reassured them of continued access.
Legal Challenges and Tech Companies' Caution
Google and Apple may be holding back on reinstating TikTok for new downloads to avoid potential penalties under the ban. Analysts speculate that both companies are waiting for additional legal protections or policy clarifications before resuming distribution of the app.
Trump Gives TikTok Some Time For Acquisition
Trump's executive order extended the timeline for TikTok's ban enforcement, allowing ByteDance to seek a buyer for its U.S. assets. Potential buyers include high-profile names like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, which currently hosts TikTok's servers.
While the app remains functional for current users, its future in the U.S. is far from certain. ByteDance must examine legal hurdles and finalize a sale to ensure TikTok's long-term availability.
With high-profile tech leaders showing interest, the app's fate is drawing significant attention from both users and investors.
TikTok's temporary shutdown and restricted availability only aggravate the ongoing tension between national security concerns and user demand. While existing users have regained access, the inability to download the app presents a significant barrier for new audiences.
As ByteDance works to comply with US requirements, all eyes are on the company's next move—and whether TikTok can surpass these challenges to remain a dominant force in the social media competition.
Related Article: TikTok Shuts Down Across the U.S., Trump Teases Reinstatement
