850 reasons why Apple and others are not taking the risk with TikTok

This past weekend was a rollercoaster for TikTok at the cinema. While some titles report that TikTok is back and suggest that the issue is resolved, it's not quite as simple.

The app was removed from the Apple App Store, as well as application stores managed by Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. None of these companies have restored the app...

A Timeline of Weekend Events

Friday, the US Supreme Court confirmed the law imposing a ban on TikTok in the US. This means that the ban will come into effect on January 19th.

The Biden administration issued a statement indicating that it had no intention of trying to implement the law in its last 24 hours at the White House, and this would therefore be up to Trump.

Trump initially said he needed time to examine the situation, and TikTok went offline in the US on Sunday. When attempting to launch the app, a message indicated that Trump should resolve the issue when he takes office.

Sorry, TikTok is not available at the moment. A law banning TikTok has been adopted in the US. Unfortunately, this means you cannot use TikTok for now. We are happy to learn that President Trump indicates he will work with us on a solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. Please stay updated!

Apple issued a statement indicating that it was obligated to follow the law by removing the app from the App Store.

Later that Sunday, Trump published a message on social media indicating that he would suspend the ban as soon as his installation the next day, and no one would be responsible for ignoring the law during this time.

I ask businesses not to let TikTok stay in the shadows! I will issue an executive order on Tuesday extending the period before legislative bans take effect so we can conclude an agreement to protect national security. The order will also ensure that these "service providers" [Oracle and its content distribution network partner] have a legal obligation to provide protection against liability for any actions taken during Trump's time in office. I am eagerly awaiting the actions of the shareholders — Oracle is rapidly accumulating tens or perhaps even hundreds of billions of dollars in potential liabilities.

Apple made the right decision.

Maybe Trump has the legal power to provide immunity against liability for an action taken when he was not yet in office; maybe he doesn't. Maybe we can trust him; maybe we can't. None of the app providers want to take this risk, and that is absolutely the right decision.

Apple does not risk angering its customers. Everyone knew it was going to happen, so anyone wanting the app but not already having it had already downloaded it on their device.

Maybe Apple will take a risk of offending Trump, but Tim Cook's donation of a million dollars and his dedication to the inauguration seem to probably mitigate this risk. The iPhone factory can certainly afford to wait and see how this develops over the next few days.