# TikTok Officially Prohibited in the United States: Essential Information
In a notable turn of events for social media enthusiasts, TikTok has officially halted its operations in the United States as of January 18, 2025. This action comes amid increasing worries regarding data security and national defense, particularly related to applications created by foreign companies. In conjunction with TikTok, Apple has also taken the app down from its App Store, reinforcing the prohibition.
## Apple’s Position on the TikTok Prohibition
Apple has openly discussed the prohibition, highlighting its dedication to adhering to local regulations. In a statement made available on their website, the company stated:
> “Apple is required to follow the laws in the regions where it conducts business. As per the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, applications created by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — such as TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, among others — will no longer be accessible for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.”
This statement reinforces the legal context that has led to the elimination of TikTok and other ByteDance applications from the U.S. market.
## Applications Affected
As part of this prohibition, Apple has eliminated several applications developed by ByteDance from the App Store. The list encompasses:
– TikTok
– TikTok Studio
– TikTok Shop Seller Center
– CapCut
– Lemon8
– Hypic
– Lark – Team Collaboration
– Lark – Rooms Display
– Lark Rooms Controller
– Gauth: AI Study Companion
– MARVEL SNAP
For users who currently have these applications installed on their devices, they will remain accessible. However, if users delete these applications or switch to a different device, they will be unable to reinstall or restore them. Moreover, users within the United States will not receive any updates for these applications, potentially leading to issues related to performance, security, and compatibility with upcoming iOS and iPadOS updates.
## Consequences for Users
For residents of the United States, the effects of this prohibition are considerable. Users will lose access to the trendy features and content found on TikTok and other ByteDance apps. Additionally, the lack of updates might introduce risks, especially regarding security flaws.
For international visitors to the United States, there are supplementary restrictions. Users with an Apple account registered to a country outside the U.S. will be unable to download, update, or make in-app purchases within ByteDance applications while physically located in the country. However, once they depart the U.S., they will regain complete access to these applications.
## Conclusion
The formal shutdown of TikTok in the United States signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing conversation about data security and national defense. As the social media landscape continues to change, users and developers must navigate the intricacies of adhering to local laws and regulations. For comprehensive coverage on the TikTok prohibition and its ramifications, you can read our full article [here](https://9to5mac.com/2025/01/18/tiktok-is-officially-shutting-down-in-the-united-states/).
As this situation unfolds, it will be essential for users to remain updated on alterations in app availability and the wider implications for digital privacy and security.
