TikTok ban in numbers: The rise and impending fall of the world’s most controversial app
3 months, 1 week ago

TikTok ban in numbers: The rise and impending fall of the world’s most controversial app

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This has helped bring the total number of TikTok users around the world to above 2 billion, with only India’s ban nearly three years ago slightly slowing its growth – and only temporarily. A survey poll from the Pew Research Center last year found TikTok to be the fastest-growing platform in the US, as users beyond the social media app’s typically young demographic began to adopt it. In its filing with the Supreme Court on Monday, TikTok alleged that banning the app would “shutter” one of the most popular speech platforms at a highly political moment. “The act will shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration,” TikTok wrote.

India App Chinese Tiktok Ban Indytech Bytedance Million Users  fall  popular  app  numbers  ban  controversial  million  users  speech  bytedance  sign  impending  tiktok  worlds  security  rise

History of this topic

AI startup Perplexity confirms interest to buy TikTok
1 week, 2 days ago

AI startup Perplexity confirms interest to buy TikTok

Raw Story  

by Glenn CHAPMAN Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity on Friday expressed its interest in buying TikTok, which faces a deadline to divest from its Chinese owner or be banned in the United States. "Combining Perplexity's answer engine with TikTok's extensive video library would allow us to build the best search experience in the world," the San Francisco-based firm reasoned. President Donald …

Will TikTok get banned on April 5? Trump admin working with ‘4 different groups’ interested in buying the platform
2 weeks, 4 days ago

Will TikTok get banned on April 5? Trump admin working with ‘4 different groups’ interested in buying the platform

Hindustan Times  

President Donald Trump has shared an update on potential TikTok buyers nearly two months after signing an executive order to extend a ban deadline on the social media platform. He told reporters aboard Air Force One that his administration is working with "four different groups" that are interested in buying the Chinese-owned social media app. If TikTok isn’t sold by …

4 groups in talks to buy TikTok, says Trump
3 weeks ago

4 groups in talks to buy TikTok, says Trump

Firstpost  

After suspending the bipartisan ban on TikTok shortly after assuming office, US President Donald Trump has been pursuing a sale of the app’s US operations for its continued working in the country Trump’s proposed involvement of the US government in TikTok’s operations, particularly his desire for the US govt to hold a 50% stake in a joint venture, has raised …

Explained: Why has Albania banned TikTok for a year?
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Explained: Why has Albania banned TikTok for a year?

Firstpost  

Albania has enforced a one-year ban on TikTok, citing concerns over cyberbullying and youth violence. File Image/Reuters The Albanian government has officially imposed a one-year ban on TikTok, citing concerns about the platform’s influence on children, particularly in relation to cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the promotion of violent behaviour. Vendimi për mbylljen e përkohshme të TikTokut është e …

TikTok ban: Donald Trump open to extending another olive branch to Chinese company; ‘Lot of interest in…’
3 weeks, 3 days ago

TikTok ban: Donald Trump open to extending another olive branch to Chinese company; ‘Lot of interest in…’

Live Mint  

US President Donald Trump has signalled his willingness to save the popular short-video app TikTok from another potential ban. Donald Trump on giving extension to TikTok: Speaking to the media on Thursday, Trump said there was a ‘lot of interest’ in buying TikTok and he would probably not need an extension given that there was still another month left untill …

Bid to stop children 'doom scrolling' on social media apps such as TikTok and Snapchat is watered down after Labour ministers oppose tough crackdown
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Bid to stop children 'doom scrolling' on social media apps such as TikTok and Snapchat is watered down after Labour ministers oppose tough crackdown

Daily Mail  

A bid to restrict children's use of smartphones to prevent them 'doom scrolling' on social media has been watered down after ministers opposed the measures. Labour MP Josh MacAlister proposed legislation to protect under-16s from addictive social media content on sites like TikTok and Snapchat. Labour MP Josh MacAlister proposed legislation to protect under-16s from addictive social media content on …

TikTok accuses Australia of favouritism in social media crackdown, targets YouTube’s special treatment
Trending News
3 weeks, 5 days ago

TikTok accuses Australia of favouritism in social media crackdown, targets YouTube’s special treatment

Live Mint  

TikTok has strongly criticised the Australian government for exempting YouTube from a sweeping social media crackdown that will see under-16s banned from most platforms, reported Bloomberg. Meta’s submission stated that the special treatment afforded to YouTube “makes a mockery of the government’s stated intention to protect young people.” However, TikTok’s response has been the most outspoken, reflecting its frustration that …

With TikTok future uncertain in US, Instagram plans new Reels app: Report – Firstpost
1 month ago

With TikTok future uncertain in US, Instagram plans new Reels app: Report – Firstpost

Firstpost  

TikTok is facing a US law that ordered the company to break off from its Chinese owner ByteDance or otherwise be banned in the United States over national security concerns regarding the data it gathers on users Instagram is considering rolling out a new app exclusively for its short-form video feature Reels. The development comes as TikTok’s future in the …

Instagram May Launch Separate App for Reels: Report
Top News
1 month ago

Instagram May Launch Separate App for Reels: Report

Deccan Chronicle  

Instagram is reportedly considering launching a separate app for its short-form video feature, Reels, in light of TikTok’s uncertain future in the United States. Last year, former US President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, to sell to a US owner or shut down. While signing the order, Trump suggested that the US government should be a half …

TikTok returns to US stores as rival Xiaohongshu sees 91% drop in downloads
1 month, 1 week ago

TikTok returns to US stores as rival Xiaohongshu sees 91% drop in downloads

Hindustan Times  

ByteDance Ltd.’s TikTok is back on US mobile stores and the app that seemed poised to take its place has suffered a precipitous drop in interest. In the five days following TikTok’s relisting on Apple Inc.’s iPhone app store and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Play, downloads of social app Xiaohongshu plummeted by 91%, according to Sensor Tower data. Also known as …

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

Deccan Chronicle  

TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S., after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a TikTok ban.TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores on Jan. 18 to comply with a law that requires ByteDance to divest the app or be banned in …

TikTok is back on the app store, but it’s not safe from another ban. Here’s what happens next
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok is back on the app store, but it’s not safe from another ban. Here’s what happens next

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy TikTok is back in the U.S. app stores Thursday following …

President Donald Trump postpones TikTok ban, App reinstated on Apple and Google Stores
1 month, 2 weeks ago

President Donald Trump postpones TikTok ban, App reinstated on Apple and Google Stores

Live Mint  

After being temporarily removed from digital marketplaces, TikTok has returned to Apple and Google’s app stores in the United States. The return follows President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone the enforcement of a ban that would have permanently barred the app from the country. This brief interruption led to an exodus of users flocking to RedNote, a Chinese social media …

Why is TikTok back in the Apple and Google app stores?
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Why is TikTok back in the Apple and Google app stores?

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy TikTok has been restored to Google Play and Apple’s App Store after President …

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S., after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a TikTok ban. TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores on Jan. 18 to comply with a law that requires ByteDance to divest the app …

TikTok returns on Apple, Google app stores as Trump delays ban
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns on Apple, Google app stores as Trump delays ban

The Hindu  

TikTok returned on the U.S. app stores of Apple and Google on Thursday, as President Donald Trump delayed its ban until April 5 and assured the companies they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining the Chinese app. The popular short video app, used by 170 million American users, started restoring its services, weeks after the app went dark, …

TikTok returns in the US on Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store after Trump delays ban till April 5
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns in the US on Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store after Trump delays ban till April 5

Hindustan Times  

TikTok returned on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in the US on Thursday, February 13, 2025, with President Donald Trump signing an executive order to delay its ban till April 5. As a result, the legislation, called ‘Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act’ was signed into law and it required ByteDance to sell the US …

TikTok Is Back in US App Stores
Trending News
55 years, 2 months ago

TikTok Is Back in US App Stores

Wired  

Twenty-six days after it was banished from US app stores, TikTok has returned to the iOS App Store and Google Play store. Apple and Google brought back the Chinese-owned video app after receiving a letter from US attorney general Pam Bondi assuring the companies they would not be fined for hosting it, Bloomberg first reported Thursday. That’s because the law …

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in US after Donald Trump delayed ban
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in US after Donald Trump delayed ban

India Today  

TikTok returned to the US app stores of Apple and Google on Thursday as President Donald Trump delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app and assured the tech giants they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining it. Although TikTok resumed service after Trump's assurances, Google opens new tab and Apple opens new tab kept the app …

TikTok returns to US app stores after Trump delays ban
Top News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to US app stores after Trump delays ban

Al Jazeera  

Apple and Google have made the video-sharing app available again amid national security concerns from some US officials. TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the United States after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban on the popular social media app, operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance. The app’s fate had been …

TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores in the U.S.
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores in the U.S.

LA Times  

TikTok is once again available on Apple’s app store and Google Play. Apple and Google have restored TikTok to their U.S. app stores after President Trump delayed enforcement of a law that requires the popular video app to divest or face a nationwide ban. TikTok responded by suing the U.S. government, saying a ban would violate 1st Amendment rights and …

TikTok returns to US Apple and Google app stores after Trump's ban delay
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to US Apple and Google app stores after Trump's ban delay

ABC  

Social media platform TikTok has returned to Apple and Google mobile app stores in the United States after President Donald Trump delayed its ban until April 5 and assured the tech giants they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining the Chinese app. TikTok, used by 170 million Americans, started restoring its services on AAPL.O and GOOGLE.O on Thursday, …

TikTok is back in Apple, Google app stores in U.S.
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok is back in Apple, Google app stores in U.S.

Salon  

TikTok is back in Apple and Google app stores in the U.S., nearly a month after it was removed from them. Related TikTok Shop booming while facing a ban After receiving assurance from the Department of Justice that the ban would not be enforced, TikTok has reappeared in the app stores and is available to download again, according to The …

TikTok is back on the Apple and Google app stores
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok is back on the Apple and Google app stores

NPR  

TikTok is back on the Apple and Google app stores toggle caption Ashley Landis/AP Apple and Google have returned TikTok to mobile app stores in the U.S., ending a nearly month-long standoff between the tech giants and the video platform since a law banning the app took effect in January. The tech firms yanked TikTok from app stores on Jan. …

Many banned Chinese apps make comeback in India: Will TikTok return?
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Many banned Chinese apps make comeback in India: Will TikTok return?

India Today  

Many of the Chinese apps that were banned in 2020 following the India-China border tensions have made a return to the Play Store in India as diplomatic relations between the two countries improve. With the evolving political landscape, the return of some of the banned Chinese apps - the question on everyone's mind is: Will TikTok make a comeback to …

TikTok finds way to skirt US ban with Android sideload
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok finds way to skirt US ban with Android sideload

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy TikTok has bypassed restrictions in the US that prevent users from downloading the …

TikTok ban ‘on official devices remains’ as Government launches account
1 month, 3 weeks ago

TikTok ban ‘on official devices remains’ as Government launches account

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A ban on using TikTok on UK Government phones remains in …

'I Have Not Put In A Bid For TikTok', Elon Musk Clarifies He Has No Interest In Taking Over Company's US Operations
1 month, 3 weeks ago

'I Have Not Put In A Bid For TikTok', Elon Musk Clarifies He Has No Interest In Taking Over Company's US Operations

ABP News  

Speculations were surfacing earlier about Chinese officials reaching out to X owner Elon Musk for the acquisition of TikTok's operations in the US. Now Musk has stated that he has no interest in acquiring TikTok, the widely popular short video app currently facing potential bans in the United States over concerns related to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Musk, who …

TikTok to let U.S. Android users download app via kits on its website
1 month, 3 weeks ago

TikTok to let U.S. Android users download app via kits on its website

The Hindu  

TikTok said on Friday it was allowing U.S. Android users to download and connect to the short video app through package kits on its website, in an effort to circumvent restrictions on the popular platform in the country. Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok to their app stores since a U.S. law took effect on January 19 requiring its …

TikTok Stole Our Hearts, but Can It Last?
55 years, 2 months ago

TikTok Stole Our Hearts, but Can It Last?

Wired  

Lauren Goode: That is one of the hardest languages to learn, so godspeed to you. Well, we're going to go to one that's fully based in China, definitely does not have servers in the United States to the extent that TikTok does. In fact, we're going to be posting memes and jokes about saying goodbye to our trusted Chinese spy." …

House lawmakers push to ban AI app DeepSeek from US government devices
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

House lawmakers push to ban AI app DeepSeek from US government devices

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan duo in the the U.S. House is proposing legislation to ban the Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek from federal devices, similar to the policy already in place for the popular social media platform TikTok. Reps. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Darin LaHood, R-Ill., on Thursday introduced the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” which would ban federal …

Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices

Deccan Chronicle  

Austin: Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a ban on Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek for government-issued devices, becoming the first state to restrict the popular chatbot in such a manner. The governor also prohibited popular Chinese-owned social media apps Xiaohongshu, or what some are calling RedNote, and Lemon8 from all state-issued devices. “Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist …

Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices

The Hindu  

Greg Abbott issued a ban on Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek for government-issued devices, becoming the first state to restrict the popular chatbot in such a manner. The governor also prohibited popular Chinese-owned social media apps Xiaohongshu, or what some are calling RedNote, and Lemon8 from all state-issued devices. “Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our …

Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Texas governor orders ban on DeepSeek, RedNote for government devices

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a ban on Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek for government-issued devices, becoming the first state to restrict the popular chatbot in such a manner. The governor also prohibited popular Chinese-owned social media apps Xiaohongshu, or what some are calling RedNote, and Lemon8 from all state-issued devices. “Texas will not allow the …

Trump says Microsoft looking to purchase TikTok amid uncertainty about the apps future
2 months ago

Trump says Microsoft looking to purchase TikTok amid uncertainty about the apps future

Daily Mail  

President Donald Trump said that Microsoft is among the U.S. companies looking to take control of TikTok and help the popular app avert an effective ban in April. 'I would say yes,' Trump told reporters when asked on Monday evening if Microsoft was one of the companies interested in helping to bring about a new ownership of TikTok, a requirement …

Trump says Microsoft is one of the companies eyeing TikTok
2 months ago

Trump says Microsoft is one of the companies eyeing TikTok

Associated Press  

President Donald Trump said Monday evening that Microsoft is among the U.S. companies looking to take control of TikTok to help the popular app avert an effective ban that could kick-in in April. “I would say yes,” Trump told reporters when asked if Microsoft was one of the companies interested in helping to bring about a new ownership of TikTok, …

Trump says Microsoft in talks to acquire TikTok, calls for bidding war over app
2 months ago

Trump says Microsoft in talks to acquire TikTok, calls for bidding war over app

Hindustan Times  

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Microsoft is in talks to acquire video-sharing platform TikTok and that he would like to see a bidding war over the app, reported Reuters. US President Donald Trump has called for a bidding war over TikTok Donald Trump said that there were many contenders looking to buy TikTok and that he “would …

Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok, says US President Trump
2 months ago

Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok, says US President Trump

India Today  

US President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok and that he would like to see a bidding war over the app. Trump said last week that he was in talks with multiple people over buying TikTok and would likely have a decision on the popular app's future in 30 days. During his …

Trump says Microsoft in talks to buy TikTok
2 months ago

Trump says Microsoft in talks to buy TikTok

Al Jazeera  

US president says there’s ‘great interest’ in purchasing the video-sharing platform facing a ban on national security grounds. United States President Donald Trump has said Microsoft is among the companies considering buying TikTok so the platform can avoid a ban on national security grounds. Asked late on Monday if Microsoft was in talks to acquire the popular video-sharing app, Trump …

Am I being censored? Some US TikTok users say app feels different after ban lifted
2 months ago

Am I being censored? Some US TikTok users say app feels different after ban lifted

The Hindu  

U.S. TikTok users who once saw the app as a haven for free speech say they see signs of censorship after the platform, which is owned by China's ByteDance, was revived by an executive order from President Donald Trump. Some claimed TikTok was striking comments that used phrases like "Free Palestine" and "Free Luigi," a reference to Luigi Mangione, who …

Perplexity AI's new proposal for TikTok could give 50% stake to US government
2 months ago

Perplexity AI's new proposal for TikTok could give 50% stake to US government

Hindustan Times  

Perplexity AI has come up with a new proposal to TikTok's parent company, China-based ByteDance, that would allow the US government to own up to 50 per cent stake in the new entity that the merged business would create, The Associated Press reported. ByteDance hadn't responded to the first proposal, which sought to create a new structure to merge the …

Oracle and Microsoft in talks to take over TikTok under Trump administration plan: Report
2 months ago

Oracle and Microsoft in talks to take over TikTok under Trump administration plan: Report

Live Mint  

Donald Trump administration is working on a plan to save TikTok by tapping Oracle and a group of outside investors that includes Microsoft to take control of the short-video app, according to an NPR report citing sources. TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance is said to retain a minority stake in the company, but the reported deal could see the app's algorithm, …

TikTok users claim increased restrictions on speech after US revival under Trump order
2 months ago

TikTok users claim increased restrictions on speech after US revival under Trump order

Live Mint  

TikTok users in the United States are raising concerns over signs of increased censorship on the platform, following its recent revival under an executive order from former President Donald Trump. Once hailed as a haven for free speech, the app—owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance—appears to be undergoing significant changes, with some users reporting heightened content moderation and restrictions on …

TikTok loaded phones selling for thousands of dollars on eBay, as app stays unavailable in US
2 months ago

TikTok loaded phones selling for thousands of dollars on eBay, as app stays unavailable in US

Live Mint  

Smartphones pre-loaded with TikTok are being sold for thousands of dollars on eBay, Facebook marketplace and other online stores as the Chinese app continues to remain absent on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the US, the Associated Press reported. The ByteDance-owned app had become unavailable to users in the US and was also removed from App …

Trump says banning TikTok won’t make Americans safer from China. He may have a point
2 months ago

Trump says banning TikTok won’t make Americans safer from China. He may have a point

CNN  

New York CNN — President Donald Trump on Wednesday batted down the national security concerns surrounding TikTok, saying, “Is it that important for China to be spying on young people? In his 2020 executive order that unsuccessfully tried to ban the app, Trump said TikTok’s data collection could allow China’s government “to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, …

VPN sales spike in the US as TikTok users face access restrictions
2 months, 1 week ago

VPN sales spike in the US as TikTok users face access restrictions

India Today  

The latest addition to the TikTok survival guide is a VPN service, soaring in demand as users scramble to recover their lost content. As users wait for the app’s return to the official app stores, many who deleted the application are turning to alternatives like VPNs, or virtual private networks to recover their content. TikTok’s app remains unavailable from Apple’s …

Donald Trump Dismisses Concerns On China Spying Via TikTok: Here's What He Said
2 months, 1 week ago

Donald Trump Dismisses Concerns On China Spying Via TikTok: Here's What He Said

ABP News  

US President Donald Trump has downplayed national security concerns surrounding TikTok, the popular video-sharing app under scrutiny for its ties to China. “You could say the same about everything made in China,” Trump remarked after host Sean Hannity raised concerns about TikTok's data practices, reported the Washington Times. Young people watching crazy videos and things.” TikTok's Future Hangs In Balance …

California lawmakers are big on TikTok. What happens if Trump bans the app?
2 months, 1 week ago

California lawmakers are big on TikTok. What happens if Trump bans the app?

LA Times  

When Assemblymember Alex Lee was sworn into office at age 25, he became the youngest state lawmaker in nearly a century. The self-described “Zoomer” from San José started using TikTok in 2020 and now, five years later, he continues to reach voters on the app, distilling complicated policy issues into bite-sized clips. “That’s also why I avoid the trendy stuff.” …

What next for TikTok? MrBeast and Elon Musk among potential buyers as ban deadline looms
2 months, 1 week ago

What next for TikTok? MrBeast and Elon Musk among potential buyers as ban deadline looms

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. So, what I am thinking about saying to somebody is, ‘buy it and give half to the …

Singapore's Likee Is an Unlikely Winner of the TikTok Ban
2 months, 1 week ago

Singapore's Likee Is an Unlikely Winner of the TikTok Ban

Wired  

Panic over the US TikTok ban increased usage and downloads of a slew of alternative social media apps, including Texas-based Clapper, Chinese-owned RedNote, and Likee, a little-known platform out of Singapore with an AI-powered video feed similar to TikTok’s, according to new market research. People in the US could not access TikTok for about 14 hours on late Saturday into …

Discover Related