TikTok to let US Android users download app via kits on its website

TikTok announced on Friday that U.S. Android users can now download and connect to the platform via package kits available on its website. This move aims to bypass ongoing restrictions on the app, which remains unavailable on major app stores in the country.

Since a U.S. law took effect on January 19, mandating that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, either sell the app or face a ban due to national security concerns, Apple and Google have yet to reinstate it in their stores.

President Donald Trump, who assumed office the day after the law was enacted, signed an executive order postponing enforcement by 75 days. He has indicated that discussions are underway with potential buyers and expects to make a decision on TikTok’s future soon. The app currently boasts approximately 170 million users in the U.S.

Additionally, Trump issued an executive order on Monday calling for the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within a year, suggesting it could be a potential buyer for TikTok.

Concerns over data security have fueled the push to separate TikTok from ByteDance, with U.S. officials warning of possible misuse of American user data. However, free speech advocates have opposed the ban, arguing it restricts access to a widely used platform. The law was passed with overwhelming support from Congress and was signed by then-President Joe Biden.

TikTok has rejected claims that it poses a national security risk, asserting that its recommendation algorithm and user data are stored in the U.S. on Oracle-operated cloud servers. The company also maintains that content moderation decisions for American users are handled within the country.