Apple will continue to host ByteDance-owned TikTok on its App Store for at least 75 more days following assurances from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. According to a Bloomberg News report, this comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending TikTok’s deadline, which was set to expire soon.
TikTok’s Extended Stay on the App Store
Apple’s decision to keep TikTok on the App Store follows a letter from AG Bondi, confirming that the company would not face penalties for complying with Trump’s extended deadline. The U.S. has set a national security deadline for TikTok to either sell its U.S. operations or face a complete ban, following an executive order signed by former President Joe Biden in April 2024.
Bondi’s letter reportedly reassured Apple, giving the company a green light to continue hosting TikTok while negotiations between ByteDance and U.S. officials remain ongoing.
Past Moves and Ongoing Negotiations
TikTok had briefly gone offline for U.S. users in January after the initial ban deadline, but it was reinstated on the App Store on February 13 following a similar letter of assurance from Bondi. This extension allows ByteDance more time to comply with the U.S. government’s demands under the national security law.
In the backdrop of the TikTok issue, President Trump recently announced additional tariffs of 54% on Chinese goods, putting pressure on the ongoing trade talks. Trump has also suggested he might reduce tariffs on China to facilitate a deal for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations, although he also emphasized the broader economic impact of tariffs over TikTok’s importance.
The extended time for TikTok’s presence on the App Store signals that the negotiations involving ByteDance and the U.S. government are far from over. Apple’s compliance with these legal and political pressures further complicates the dynamic between tech companies and government intervention in business decisions, especially when it comes to national security concerns.
What The Author Thinks
While it’s understandable for governments to take action on national security grounds, the inconsistent treatment of tech companies, especially in the case of TikTok, sends mixed signals. Businesses, including Apple, need a clearer framework to navigate these complex situations, rather than being subject to shifting deadlines and uncertain policy directions. Regulatory clarity would benefit all parties involved and ensure a more stable environment for innovation.
Featured image credit: Anton via Pexels
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