Trump ban could cut TikTok off from US app stores and advertisers, White House document shows
- President’s earlier executive order against popular video-sharing app did not specify scope of restrictions and what transactions would be barred
- New document provides insight into how Washington is looking to disrupt key aspects of company’s operations and funding
President Donald Trump’s executive order banning China’s TikTok could prevent US app stores from offering the popular short-video app and make advertising on the platform illegal, according to a White House document seen by Reuters.
Trump signed an order last week prohibiting transactions with TikTok if its parent ByteDance does not reach a deal to divest it in 45 days. It did not specify the scope of the ban, stating only that the US Department of Commerce would define which transactions would be barred at the end of the 45-day period.
The White House document, sent out to supporters last week, provides insight into the Trump administration’s thinking. It shows the US government is considering disrupting key aspects of TikTok’s operations and funding, amid concerns over the safety of personal data that the app handles.
“Prohibited transactions may include, for example, agreements to make the TikTok app available on app stores … purchasing advertising on TikTok, and accepting terms of service to download the TikTok app onto a user device,” the document states.
A source familiar with the White House document verified its authenticity. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Some technology industry experts said eliminating TikTok’s ability to be offered on Apple and Google owner Alphabet’s app stores, which in turn allow it to be downloaded on iPhone and Android smartphones, could cripple the app’s growth.