Numerous iPhone-using Americans bypass Apple's app installation protocol to install the TikTok app indirectly
With over 120,000 individuals across the United States, a company named Signulous has been instrumental in guiding iPhone users through the process of creating iOS developer accounts. This allows them to bypass the App Store and load forbidden apps, such as TikTok, onto their devices. The App Store's alternative service, TestFlight, caters to a limited number of users and permits the installation of apps that haven't yet been added to the marketplace.
BBC was privy to Signulous revealing that during specific periods, around 2,000 people have utilized their service to download TikTok within a mere hour. This trend indicates that older policymakers' concerns over national security related to China are of minimal importance to Generation Z. Recent studies suggest that Gen Z is quite nihilistic, and they're well-aware that tech giants like Meta and Google collect their information for targeted suggestions and advertisements. They place more value in the app's offerings and view the national security concerns as largely speculative, subject to confidential legislative hearings.
Whilst both Democratic and Republican leaders advocate for TikTok's divestment from Chinese ownership, the push to remove the app has been largely bipartisan. President Trump granted TikTok a temporary 90-day reprieve during which it could negotiate a sale to American owners. However, despite Trump's promise, Apple and Google continued to refrain from allowing the app back into their respective stores.
Curiously, TikTok itself has begun teaching Android users how to sidestep the system and install the app themselves, showcasing its confidence in Trump's commitment. The ban on TikTok led to the flooding of eBay and Facebook Marketplace with iPhone sellers requesting astronomical amounts for devices pre-installed with the app.
Rumors swirled that Trump's close associate, Elon Musk, would potentially acquire TikTok, further expanding his influence. Musk, however, stated last week that he had no intention of purchasing the company. Other entities like Perplexity have ventured forward, yet it remains unclear whether ByteDance is willing to sell or if the Chinese government would approve a deal. TikTok maintains a strong global presence, hinting that it may choose to retreat from the American market while maintaining its operation in other regions.
- In response to the future regulations, tech companies like TikTok are exploring alternative methods to make their apps available to users, such as guidebooks for bypassing app stores using tools like Testflight.
- Despite the nihilistic attitude of Gen Z towards data privacy, policymakers continue to express concerns about Chinese tech giants like TikTok, collecting user data for targeted advertisements.
- With the future of TikTok in limbo, competitors like Perplexity are eyeing potential opportunities to acquire the app, but the relationship between ByteDance and the Chinese government remains uncertain.
- As speculation about TikTok's future ownership continues, some consumers are resorting to buying expensive iPhone devices pre-installed with the app on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
