US Android users can now install TikTok directly from its website
A new US law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, prompting the company to offer website downloads.
TikTok has introduced a new method for US Android users to download the app directly from its website, bypassing restrictions imposed by app stores.
The move follows a US law that took effect on 19 January, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. Apple and Google have yet to reinstate the app in their stores.
President Donald Trump, who took office the day after the law was enacted, signed an executive order delaying enforcement by 75 days. Discussions over TikTok’s future are ongoing, with Trump stating a decision is expected this month.
The president also ordered the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, which could potentially acquire TikTok.
Concerns over data security have driven US officials to push for ByteDance to divest from TikTok. Critics argue that the ban threatens free speech, with advocates questioning claims about the company’s ties to China.
TikTok maintains that US user data is stored on Oracle-operated servers and that moderation decisions affecting American users are made domestically.
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