TikTok app unavailable on Apple, Google stores in US despite Trump delaying ban
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The delay, analysts doubted, could be because Apple and Google are awaiting additional protections before bypassing the ban.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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SAN FRANCISCO – TikTok remained unavailable on Apple and Google app stores in the US on Jan 21, a day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order
The order came amid growing doubts on the future of the app that went dark on Jan 18, shortly before a law that cited national security to say the Chinese owner ByteDance should sell it or face a ban in the US came into effect on Jan 19.
Although TikTok resumed service
The delay, analysts doubted, could be because Google and Apple are awaiting additional protections before bypassing the ban that punishes the companies for hosting or distributing the app.
Apple’s App Store said “TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you’re in”, while Google Play said “Downloads for this app are paused due to current US legal requirements”.
Google, Apple and TikTok did not respond to requests for comment.
Mr Bill Ford, CEO of TikTok investor General Atlantic, told CNBC on Jan 21 there are ways to change TikTok US ownership that do not necessarily involve its sale.
“I don’t think that necessarily has to mean a divestiture,” he said, referring to the law that bans TikTok, adding that 60 per cent of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, was controlled by non-Chinese shareholders.
ByteDance is nearly 60 per cent owned by institutional investors such as BlackRock and General Atlantic, while its founders and employees own 20 per cent each. REUTERS
