US App Stores Without TikTok: Uncertain Return of the Popular Application

TikTok remains unavailable on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store due to potential penalties, despite being accessible through alternative means and for those who already have it.

The app is still available for use on devices that already have it installed
Android users can still install the app through alternative means
Apple and Google may be avoiding potential penalties by keeping the app off their platforms

TikTok has been on a rollercoaster ride in the US lately. After being banned for 14 hours, the video platform made a comeback, only to have Donald Trump extend the order against it for another 75 days. But while TikTok is once again available in the US, it’s still missing from the app stores. The app remains inaccessible on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, where it was removed following the January 19th order.

We still don’t know when the app will return to both platforms. Neither Google nor Apple has provided any details on when TikTok will be available again for users. Android users can still install the app through alternative means, but Apple users will face a slightly more complicated task. Additionally, those who already have the app on their devices can continue to use it freely but won’t receive any updates. On the other hand, those who don’t have the app or have removed it can’t reinstall it from the app stores.

One possible reason why Apple and Google haven’t brought the app back to their platforms is the potential penalties they could face. Entities that assist in providing the app could end up paying $5,000 per user who downloads and actively uses it, resulting in hefty fines for the tech giants. Although Trump has promised not to take action against those who help keep TikTok in the US, there are concerns that this may not hold true, and companies could be legally held accountable for providing the app. Therefore, it seems safer for the app to remain inaccessible in their stores than to risk facing such fines.

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