You probably already know that TikTok was banned in the US, but contrary to initial expectations that this would simply prevent users from updating or downloading the app, the app went dark. But it resulted in a series of notable events, including Apple issuing a support document (unprecedented in the case of app removal). And now Bytedance has announced that it’s back again. To learn more about how we got to this point, read Forbes contributor Ewan Spence’s excellent analysis here. ByteDance announced it would bring back TikTok just hours after it went dark. Well, that was quick. So what does this new development mean for you, and for Apple and its unprecedented support documentation? Read on.
TikTok goes dark in the US as ban goes into effect.
NurPhoto (from Getty Images)
First, here is TikTok’s latest statement made on the afternoon of January 19th: “TikTok is restoring service through agreements with service providers. Thank you for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to service providers that they will not be subject to penalties.
“This is a strong position in support of the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution to keep TikTok in the United States.” .”
As Bloomberg’s Mark Garman noted in a post on
“Apple posted a support document regarding the TikTok ban. Regarding app removal, we’ve never seen this before. But again, this is completely unprecedented. This all happened within 48 hours. Because of the ban,” Garman said.
Of course, we don’t know if the ban will only last for 48 hours, but Garman’s post on Sunday, January 19th could be reversed if Donald Trump takes office on Monday, January 20th. He was referring to the fact that Or at least delay the ban from taking effect.
And just to be clear, ByteDance says they are restoring service, but it’s not business as usual. First, the company didn’t have to shut down the service, just prevent anyone from downloading or updating it. But the company apparently wanted to make sure no one was fined for doing the wrong thing.
President Trump said in an interview with NBC News in recent hours that he would likely give TikTok a 90-day moratorium. “A 90-day extension is probably going to happen because it’s appropriate. Well, it’s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation,” Trump said.
And the timing Garman mentioned may apply. “If we decide to do that, we’ll probably make an announcement on Monday,” the president-elect continued.
So now, the phoenix of TikTok is rising from the ashes, and its disappearance from people’s phones may only be a blip, at least for now.
In addition to TikTok, Apple’s support document lists other affected apps including Marvel Snap, Lemon8, and CapCut. “If these apps are already installed on your device, they will remain on your device. However, if you delete them or restore them if you move to a new device, you will not be able to re-download them. In-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer possible,” Apple said. It also notes that if you are visiting the United States, “you may not make downloads, updates, in-app purchases, or new subscriptions within the ByteDance Ltd. app within the land or sea borders of the United States.” All functionality returns once you leave the US.
This remains the same. I’ve asked Apple for clarification and will report back as soon as I have more details. However, in my opinion, neither Apple nor Google would risk doing the wrong thing by restoring an app to its relevant app store. .
TikTok recognizes that regime change is important, saying in a message on the app: “We are fortunate that President Trump is willing to work with us on a solution to bring TikTok back after he takes office. Stay tuned!”
More than we have.
