TikTok downloads to be banned in US from Sunday

18 September 2020, 13:37 | Updated: 18 September 2020, 19:35

The US Commerce Department will roll out a ban of transactions using TikTok and WeChat starting on Sunday
The US Commerce Department will roll out a ban of transactions using TikTok and WeChat starting on Sunday. Picture: PA

TikTok downloads could be banned in the US within days amid a row over security concerns.

The US Commerce Department said will roll out a ban of transactions using TikTok and WeChat starting on Sunday.

But the ban could be lifted if the Chinese-owned social media giant's planned deal with US software company Oracle goes ahead.

The US government previously said that using and downloading the app to communicate will not be a banned transaction, although messaging on the app "could be directly or indirectly impaired" by the ban, and people who use it for messaging will not be subject to penalties.

The order was put into place on Friday to "combat China's malicious collection of American citizens' personal data", according to US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

"At the president's direction, we have taken significant action to combat China's malicious collection of American citizens' personal data, while promoting our national values, democratic rules-based norms, and aggressive enforcement of US laws and regulations," Mr Ross said in a prepared statement.

Some security experts have raised concerns that ByteDance Ltd, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, would maintain access to information on the 100 million TikTok users in the United States, creating a security risk.

A TikTok spokesperson said: "We disagree with the decision from the Commerce Department, and are disappointed that it stands to block new app downloads from Sunday and ban use of the TikTok app in the US from November 12.

"Our community of 100 million US users love TikTok because it's a home for entertainment, self-expression, and connection, and we're committed to protecting their privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform.

"In our proposal to the US Administration, we've already committed to unprecedented levels of additional transparency and accountability well beyond what other apps

are willing to do, including third-party audits, verification of code security, and US government oversight of US data security. Further, an American technology provider would be responsible for maintaining and operating the TikTok network in the US, which

would include all services and data serving US consumers. We will continue to challenge the unjust executive order, which was enacted without due process and threatens to deprive the American people and small businesses across the US of a significant platform for both a voice and livelihoods."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Emergency workers walk amid buildings that were damaged after an overnight strike on June 14, 2025 in Ramat Gan, Israel

Three dead and dozens injured after Iran fires retaliatory missiles at Israel

Exclusive
Denis Kopanev, 33, from London, was due to meet his friend Diego in São Paulo on Tuesday but vanished from his Airbnb

‘There’s something very odd about it’: Friends of British tourist missing in Brazil say he was ‘in good spirits’ as they fear he’s been kidnapped

A large police presence met protesters in Portadown town center this evening after a leaflet was shared on social media calling all residents of the Co.Armagh town to march on the homes of so-called Migrant gangs

Petrol bombs thrown at police during fifth night of Northern Ireland disorder

Turin, Italy. 2nd Feb, 2025. The FIFA Club World Cup trophy made by Tiffany on display at half time of the Serie A match at Allianz Stadium, Turin. Picture credit should read: Jonathan Moscrop/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News

2025 Fifa World Club Cup: How to watch as US tournament begins

A poll of 2,000 parents of school-aged children in the UK suggests around one in six (17%) parents rated the toilets at their child’s school as unclean.

'Like a horror movie': One in 10 parents say children avoid school over 'filthy' toilets

On Saturday evening, the annual silent walk will take place in west London to mark eight years since the blaze, followed by the reading of the names of the 72 dead, and speeches by campaigners.

Grenfell community gathers for final anniversary before tower demolition begins

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC