Access to popular Chinese social media apps WeChat and TikTok will most likely be restricted starting from Sunday, according to a report by CNN.
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The news was announced by the US Commerce Department on Friday, adding that any moves to distribute the 2 apps will be prohibited, meaning both the apps would most certainly be taken down from the AppStore/PlayStore.
The current situation is not an outright ban, as existing users who have previously downloaded the app(s) will still be able to continue using the software. Updates to future version(s) of the apps however, will likely not be possible.
Despite the announcement, Apple and Google have yet to issue any statements on the matter
“The only real change as of Sunday night will be [TikTok users] won’t have access to improved apps, updated apps, upgraded apps or maintenance,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Friday morning on Fox Business.