Three days after ByteDance’s TikTok briefly went offline and then resumed service in the United States, users who had deleted the app were dismayed to find it still unavailable for download on iPhone and Android devices. Some opportunists capitalized on the chaos, listing devices on eBay with TikTok pre-installed for as much as $50,000. On Tuesday, TikTok remained in legal purgatory, unable to be downloaded from the US versions of the Google and Apple app stores.
TikTok Trapped in Legal Limbo
Despite resuming operations following assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump, TikTok remained absent from Apple and Google’s app stores on Tuesday. Trump had signed an executive order delaying the app’s ban by 75 days, leaving its legal status uncertain. ByteDance’s other apps, such as Lemon8 and CapCut, were also unavailable for download.
Search for a Buyer Continues
Efforts to secure a buyer for TikTok intensified. Trump suggested billionaire Elon Musk as a potential purchaser. Meanwhile, John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, discussed potential deals with businessmen Kevin O’Leary and Frank McCourt.
McCourt’s Project Liberty consortium submitted a $20 billion bid for TikTok, excluding its algorithm. O’Leary expressed interest but cited legal barriers to completing such a deal.
Mixed Reactions from Users
TikTok’s legal drama sparked diverse reactions among users. Some, like Nicole Norman, vowed to leave the platform permanently, criticizing Trump’s involvement in negotiations. Others, including travel content creator Lauren Scott, eagerly awaited the app’s return to app stores, attempting alternative methods such as changing device locations to regain access.
App Store Restrictions and Technical Workarounds
Both Apple and Google cited U.S. legal requirements as the reason for halting TikTok downloads. Notices on their platforms confirmed the restrictions. Analysts suggest the companies are awaiting legal protections before reinstating the app. Some users explored multi-step processes, such as using VPNs or altering phone settings, though many expressed reluctance to try these measures.
Political Implications and China’s Stance
The U.S. Supreme Court had previously upheld a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban due to national security concerns. Trump proposed a deal in which the U.S. government would take a 50% ownership stake in TikTok’s U.S. business and hinted at tariffs on China if Beijing resisted the arrangement. In response, China’s foreign ministry signaled openness to a sale, emphasizing that businesses should operate independently.
Concerns Over Algorithm and User Trust
Some TikTok users speculated that the app’s algorithm had changed since its return, fueling uncertainty about its future under potential new ownership. ByteDance welcomed users back with a message crediting Trump for the app’s return, prompting backlash from users like Janel Samson, who deactivated her account in protest
