DOJ Says TikTok Download on Federal Devices No Longer Illegal
Wertynews.com – The Justice Department has concluded this week that a federal law restricting TikTok on government devices no longer applies to the social video app. This decision comes six months after the app’s U.S. operations were transferred to a new joint venture, which includes a majority of American investors. The prior ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance, which still holds a minority stake, had fueled years of national security concerns, prompting TikTok to face potential nationwide restrictions.
Legal Opinion Reverses Previous Ban
According to a 12-page opinion from the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, the law in question targets only the version of TikTok with problematic ownership ties. The opinion, sent to the president’s deputy counsel, clarifies that “Congress banned only the version of TikTok that shares the same problematic ownership features.” This means federal agencies may now permit downloads of the current TikTok version, though they retain the right to impose their own restrictions for workforce management purposes.
“We understand you have since instructed that employees of Executive Branch agencies may download TikTok onto their official devices, subject to the agency’s discretion and consistent with all applicable workplace policies.”
Trump’s Influence on Enforcement
President Trump, who initially supported a ban but later opposed it, directed the Justice Department to halt enforcement. The original law, enacted in late 2022, required federal agencies to remove TikTok from devices. However, in 2024, Congress passed a more sweeping measure that would have banned the app entirely unless ByteDance divested its stake by January 2025. The law took effect just before Trump’s inauguration, but he opted to delay its enforcement.
Deal Details and Cybersecurity Measures
A finalized agreement in January 2026 saw a group of U.S.-based investors, including Oracle, take control of TikTok’s American operations. ByteDance retained 19.9% ownership, just below the 20% threshold outlined in the legislation. Oracle, led by Larry Ellison, has committed to reviewing TikTok’s code regularly and adjusting its recommendation algorithm to use U.S. user data exclusively. The new entity, named TikTok U.S. Data Security, promises enhanced cybersecurity protocols.
Industry Pushback and Legal Challenges
Lawmakers and competing tech firms have questioned the deal’s effectiveness. Two investors from Alphabet and Meta filed lawsuits, arguing the agreement does not fully align with the law’s requirements. The federal government has requested the cases be dismissed, but they remain unresolved. Meanwhile, the White House referred a request for comment to the Justice Department, and CBS News has sought TikTok’s response to the situation.
The ban on government devices was rooted in fears that TikTok’s data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Despite these concerns, TikTok has consistently denied the risk, calling the fears “unwarranted.” The latest legal clarification marks a significant shift in the app’s status, leaving the final decision on its use to individual agencies.
