Why Is TikTok Banned from US App Stores?

The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sever its ties with China-based ownership or face removal from U.S. platforms. Despite ByteDance restoring service on January 21 after a brief shutdown, Apple and Google have yet to reinstate TikTok on their app stores, citing potential legal risks.

Trump’s Temporary Pause

Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the ban for 75 days, giving ByteDance more time to sell its U.S. assets. This pause is set to expire on April 5, 2025, leaving TikTok in a precarious position unless a resolution is reached soon.

What Happens Without Updates?

Existing users can still access TikTok, but the app won’t receive critical updates. No updates mean no bug fixes, security patches, or new features. Over time, this will degrade the app’s performance, with potential glitches and crashes making it unusable.

Some users have already reported their TikTok algorithms acting up since the ban. One user shared, “My TikTok algorithm is messed up since the ban. Rebuilding my For You Page feels like starting over.”

What Needs to Happen?

For TikTok to return to app stores, ByteDance must either sell its U.S. assets or receive additional legal protections. Both scenarios involve lengthy negotiations and compliance hurdles. If no agreement is reached, the ban could become permanent, leaving TikTok users with no access to the app.

The Bigger Picture

This ban is more than just about TikTok—it reflects the ongoing tension between the U.S. and China over data privacy and national security. As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, millions of users and content creators are left wondering what the future holds for one of the world’s most popular social media platforms.