TikTok was banned over concerns that the Chinese government could exploit the app to spy on Americans or secretly influence American public opinion through data collection and content manipulation.
TikTok is back on Apple and Google's app stores nearly a month after a new security law forced the short-video app to be removed, AFP reporters confirmed Thursday (2/13).
The Chinese company's social media platform is under threat of being banned in the United States over national security concerns about the user data it collects.
The popular video-sharing app went offline late January 18 and disappeared from app stores, leaving millions of its users disappointed.
The service was restored as U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term and ordered a 75-day pause to enforce the law. The TikTok shutdown was signed by his predecessor Joe Biden and passed with a majority vote by Congress.
However, Apple and Google have not made TikTok available in their app stores as of yet.
The TikTok ban was passed due to concerns that the Chinese government could exploit the app to spy on Americans or secretly influence American public opinion through data collection and content manipulation.
The US government has also ordered TikTok to separate from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban.
Trump has proposed a joint venture between the United States and ByteDance, although he has not provided details on how this might be realized.
"Basically, with TikTok, I have the right to sell it or shut it down," Trump said immediately after ordering the suspension.
"We may have to get China to agree as well... but I'm sure they will or it will be a hostile act" that could be met with tariffs, Trump said.
Companies that violate the law, which is still officially in effect, face penalties of up to $5,000 per user if the app is accessed.
Trump had tried to ban TikTok in the United States over similar national security concerns during his first term, but he now says he loves the app.
Launched in 2016 as Douyin for the Chinese market, the international version was named TikTok and released in 2017.
The platform has faced intense scrutiny from governments around the world over concerns about data privacy and possible ties to the Chinese government
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