ByteDance has restored TikTok service in the United States, but the app remains unavailable for download on Apple's App Store and Google Play Store. This situation creates potential long-term issues for both new and existing users.

Current users who have TikTok installed can continue using the app, but cannot receive updates. This limitation means no access to:

• New features
• Security updates
• Bug fixes
• Performance improvements
• In-app purchases

The ban stems from recently signed legislation that would impose $5,000 fines per user on Apple and Google if they allow TikTok downloads after January 19. Despite President Trump's executive order delaying enforcement by 75 days, major tech platforms are maintaining the restriction due to potential liability.

Additional ByteDance apps removed from stores include:

• Lemon8
• CapCut
• TikTok Studio
• TikTok Shop Seller Center
• Hypic
• Lark applications
• Gauth: AI Study Companion
• Marvel Snap

Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, warned that companies facilitating TikTok access could face "hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability." The law includes a five-year statute of limitations, allowing future administration enforcement of violations.

The situation presents a growing challenge as "app rot" may eventually degrade the user experience for existing TikTok users, while new users have no legitimate way to access the platform through official app stores.

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