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[adamsapple]

https://www.npr.org/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5273651/tiktok-is-back-apple-google-app-stores

Apple and Google have returned TikTok to mobile app stores in the U.S., ending a nearly month-long standoff between the tech giants and the video platform since a law banning the app took effect in January.

By restoring the viral video platform, Apple and Google are allowing the app to be downloaded on mobile devices. It also provides a way for TikTok to send millions of Americans software updates to debug the service and provide security fixes.

But on Thursday, Apple and Google received a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi informing the companies that the Trump administration will not prosecute them for supporting TikTok, according to sources familiar with the matter who were not authorized to speak publicly about it.

The assurance from Bondi that President Trump would not enforce the law was enough for Apple and Google to bring the app back.

Legal experts say a letter from the Trump administration promising to not prosecute can still mean Apple and Google are in violation of U.S. law.

 

[Haint]

I had no idea it wasn't already, figured it went right back up when the fake half day ban was lifted.

 

[T8SC]

TikTok on the clock but the Trump party don't stop, no. Oh whoa oh no.

 

[MikeM]

So laws don’t matter? Whats the point of them then?

 

[Pagusas]

So laws don’t matter? Whats the point of them then?

Thats the question of the day and what this nation will have to be answering in the coming months/years. Laws don't matter if they aren't enforced, from shoplifting to presidential powers. Its going to be an interesting ride for awhile.

 

[DeepEnigma]

So laws don’t matter? Whats the point of them then?

You mean this law?

Trump Vows He’ll ‘Save’ TikTok From Ban. Here’s What He Can—And Can’t—Do.

Trump says he wants to "save" TikTok: Here's how he could block a ban on the platform.

www.forbes.com

The law empowers the president to pause the ban for 90 days if TikTok shows it’s in the process of separating from ByteDance, so Trump could pause it once he takes office

 

[IntentionalPun]

So laws don’t matter? Whats the point of them then?

Not necessarily new thing. Jurisdictions have had law enforcement leadership say they aren’t going to arrest / prosecute for crimes.

Does it make sense? I don’t think so as it sort of ignores due process and the letter of the law but the IDEA is that a community has largely decided something is “Ok” and so LE backs off on enforcing while the law is changed. (with policy makers in general agreement)

The TikTok thing is recently passed bipartisan legislation being thrown out by an incoming admin. Which sounds drastic but all it’s doing is pausing the enforcement of banning an app that has been out there for years so I’m personally not going to get hung up on this specific case but it is a pretty wild precedent to set. Of course this bipartisan legislation in the first place wasn’t something the general public was really asking for lol

 

[eddie4]

 

[Jinzo Prime]

So laws don’t matter? Whats the point of them then?

Marijuana was federally illegal, but that didn't stop states from making it leagl.