TikTok has returned to the U.S. app stores of Apple and Google after President Donald Trump delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned platform. This development follows a law that took effect on January 19, requiring TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S.
The app briefly disappeared from stores after that, but the next day, when Trump took office, he signed an executive order delaying the ban for 75 days, allowing TikTok to temporarily continue operating. Despite Trump’s assurances, Google and Apple were slow to bring the app back to their stores. On Thursday, TikTok announced that its latest version was now available for download. Analysts believe the delay may have been due to the expectation of official assurances that the companies will not be held liable for distributing the app. Trump’s directive states that owners of digital stores and platforms for downloading and updating apps will not be penalized for supporting TikTok.