0
TikTok's app icon displayed on a smartphone screen against the backdrop of the U.S. and Chinese flags, photographed in Washington, D.C. on March 16, 2023 (local time). / AFP-Yonhap

The Trump administration has lifted its ban on using video-sharing platform TikTok on federal government devices, Bloomberg reported on the 11th (local time).

The Justice Department determined that TikTok no longer qualifies as a "covered application" under a 2022 law, since it has transitioned to majority U.S. investor ownership and now operates independently of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

White House rescinds 2023 TikTok ban directive; Justice Department says app no longer covered under 2022 law

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded, in a memo dated the 10th, the 2023 directive that had banned TikTok use on federal government equipment. That earlier directive was put in place over concerns that TikTok's Chinese ownership structure could pose a security risk.

The latest move follows a written opinion the Justice Department issued last month. Bloomberg reported that the department concluded TikTok no longer qualifies as a "covered application" under the 2022 law, citing the fact that the app is now majority-owned by U.S. investors and operates independently of ByteDance.

		0
Teenagers look at their smartphones in front of the TikTok logo on September 11, 2025 (local time). / Reuters-Yonhap

Oracle-Silver Lake consortium takes control of TikTok's U.S. business, separating it from ByteDance

The direct catalyst for the regulatory change is the shift in TikTok's U.S. business governance structure. TikTok completed a deal in January transferring control of its U.S. operations from ByteDance to a consortium of American companies.

The consortium was led by U.S. software firm Oracle and private equity firm Silver Lake Management. The deal, championed by President Trump, was pursued to avoid a ban on TikTok in the U.S. mandated under a law enacted in 2024.

U.S. policymakers had expressed concern that TikTok and ByteDance could share American users' data with Chinese authorities. Both TikTok and the Chinese government have denied claims that user data could be misused.

		0
The TikTok logo is displayed at the company's booth during the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba, Japan on September 15, 2022. Walt Disney announced on August 5, 2026 (local time) that it signed a deal with TikTok allowing users to add clips featuring Disney movies and characters on the popular video platform, describing it as a "first-of-its-kind agreement." / AFP-Yonhap

TikTok updates recommendation algorithm, cybersecurity program to safeguard federal data

Alongside the ownership change, TikTok's technical operations also factored into the Justice Department's determination, which stated that the current version of the app operates independently from ByteDance.

According to the department's opinion, TikTok modified the content recommendation algorithm and cybersecurity program originally developed by ByteDance. The department said this ensures federal information is protected from the security features that originally prompted the ban.

National security debate over TikTok's ties to China has continued in the U.S., with policymakers expressing concern that the app could be used by China to spread specific narratives or disinformation. TikTok and the Chinese government have denied these claims as well.

Trump credits TikTok with helping his 2024 campaign, thanks Xi for clearing path to sale approval

Trump's favorable stance toward TikTok was also evident throughout the process of approving the sale of its U.S. business. Trump has credited TikTok with helping his 2024 presidential election victory.

Trump also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for clearing the way to approve the sale of TikTok's U.S. operations.

                                                                                                               Ha Man-ju