TikTok Ban Status: Latest Updates on App Store Removals, Trump's 50% Deal, and Service Restoration
Here's a concise, informational rewrite focusing on TikTok's availability status and recent developments:
TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps are officially banned in the United States as of January 19th, 2025, following the implementation of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Here's the current availability status and latest developments.
Current Availability Status (As of January 19th, 4:00 PM PT):
- Apple App Store: Not Available
- Google Play Store: Not Available
- Existing Downloaded Apps: Still Functioning
- Web Version: Available
- Akamai: Available
- Oracle: Available
TikTok error screen on iPhone
Key Timeline of Events:
January 18th, 11:15 PM PT:
- Supreme Court denied TikTok's late-stage appeal
- App removed from Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Existing users can still access previously downloaded apps
January 19th, 4:00 AM PT:
- Trump proposes 50% U.S. ownership in TikTok joint venture via Truth Social
- Proposal aims to keep TikTok operational in the U.S.
- ByteDance's response to ownership structure pending
January 19th, 12:27 PM PT:
- TikTok announces service restoration
- Company acknowledges Trump's role in providing clarity
- Major CDNs (Akamai and Oracle) restore app availability
- Trump expected to issue Executive Order extending ban deadline
- Penalties against app carriers to be lifted
The situation remains fluid as stakeholders work toward a resolution that maintains TikTok's availability for its 170 million American users and 7 million small businesses while addressing national security concerns.
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