China’s ByteDance-owned popular short video-sharing app TikTok has found a way to bypass restrictions on its service in the US. TikTok is allowing Android users in the US to download its Package Kits from its website. This move follows the removal of the app from the App Store and Google Play Store after a law banned it in the US on January 19.
TikTok has found a way to circumvent the US restrictions
Android device users in the US can visit TikTok’s website and download its Package Kits. Then they can sideload it on their devices. It’s worth mentioning that you’ll need to enable the option to sideload apps on your Android phone or tablet. To do this, go to Settings then tap the Apps option. Here, tap on the three-dot menu button on the screen and select “Special access”.
In this section, tap the “Install unknown apps” option. Finally, just click on the downloaded Package Kit or the APK file of TikTok to install it on your Android device. TikTok’s latest move comes as a strategic response to ensure continuity of its services for its massive user base in the US, which is roughly around 170 million.
While Trump delayed TikTok’s ban, US government officials express data misuse concern
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order merely hours after taking an oath on January 20. It delayed the enforcement of the law to ban TikTok by 75 days. Trump has also said that he is in conversation with many parties over the possible sale of TikTok to a US company. Furthermore, Trump has signed an executive order for the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within a year, which could potentially buy the short video messaging app.
However, US government officials have expressed their concerns over the potential misuse of American users’ data under ByteDance’s ownership. Many free speech advocates have opposed these concerns. That said, TikTok has already denied allegations by US officials regarding its ties with China. We can only wait and watch to see what future TikTok has in the US, so stay tuned for regular updates.
