TikTok, the popular social media app, has been restored to Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store in the US, ending a 25-day ban that began on January 18. The app's return comes after both tech giants removed it from their stores in response to national security concerns.

The ban was triggered by a national security law, which prompted Apple to publish a rare support document detailing the removals. However, the document has since been deleted. In addition to TikTok, other ByteDance apps, including video editor CapCut and social app Lemon8, were also restored to the app stores.

Despite being removed from the app stores, TikTok began restoring services to existing users on January 19. However, new users were unable to download the app until its reinstatement. In response, TikTok urged Android users to sideload the app via its website earlier this month.

The ban was a result of President Donald Trump's executive order, which gave ByteDance a 75-day deadline to sell TikTok to a US-based entity or face a ban. Trump has expressed interest in the US having a 50% stake in TikTok through a joint venture, and has also established a US sovereign fund to participate in the app's dealmaking.

According to Cloudflare Radar data, TikTok's traffic had already recovered by almost 90% from pre-ban levels last month. However, rival social networks have been quick to capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future. Both X and Bluesky have launched dedicated vertical video feeds, while Meta has announced a video editing app that will rival CapCut.

The reinstatement of TikTok and other ByteDance apps marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the app's future in the US. As the 75-day deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether ByteDance will be able to secure a deal that meets the US government's requirements.

The implications of TikTok's ban and subsequent reinstatement extend beyond the app itself, highlighting the complex and often contentious relationship between technology companies and governments. As the tech industry continues to evolve, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the need for careful consideration of national security concerns and the potential consequences of government intervention in the tech sector.