TikTok Lets US Android Users Download App from Its Website Amid Ban
TikTok has announced that U.S. Android users can now download its app directly from its website using package kits. This move helps the company work around restrictions that have kept the app off Google and Apple stores.
The U.S. law, which took effect on January 19, requires TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either sell the app or face a ban due to national security concerns. Since then, both Apple and Google have not restored TikTok to their app stores.
After taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump signed an order delaying the law’s enforcement by 75 days. He also mentioned that discussions were ongoing with several parties about TikTok’s potential sale. A decision on the app’s future is expected this month. TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the United States.
On Monday, Trump signed another order to create a sovereign wealth fund within a year. This fund could potentially be used to buy TikTok, though details remain unclear.
U.S. officials have expressed concerns that ByteDance could misuse American user data. They argue that the Chinese government might gain access to personal information. However, TikTok denies these claims, stating that its recommendation system and user data are stored on U.S.-based Oracle servers. The company also says that decisions affecting American users are made within the U.S.
Many free speech advocates oppose the TikTok ban, arguing it limits user rights. The law that led to TikTok’s potential ban was passed with strong support from Congress and signed by then-President Joe Biden. TikTok insists that the U.S. government has misunderstood its ties to China and continues to fight against the ban.