TikTok is back on federal government devices in the United States after the Trump administration lifted restrictions by following a change in the app’s U.S. ownership structure.
The move comes after officials determined that the new version of TikTok no longer falls under the federal ban tied to national security concernsand threats, the decision ends a restriction that had prevented federal agencies from allowing TikTok on government owned devices.
The Justice Department said in a July opinion that the current U.S. version of TikTok is not covered by the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act”. The department said the new TikTok U.S. data security joint venture operates independently by ByteDance and is majority owned by American investors.
NEW: The Department of Justice concluded TikTok no longer poses a national security risk following its US restructuring, officially allowing federal employees to download the app on government devices. pic.twitter.com/yQjRFUXuZ8
— Valuetainment (@valuetainment) August 11, 2026
The new structure was completed in January as part of a deal that transferred control of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a group of American and global investors. The Justice Department also said changes had been made to TikTok’s recommendation system and cybersecurity program.
The changes are designed to protect U.S. government information and address the security concerns that led to the original restrictions. The federal restriction dates back to 2022, when Congress passed legislation requiring agencies to remove TikTok from government technology.
TikTok and Chinese officials have repeatedly rejected claims that the platform could be used to collect Americans’ data or spread information favored by Beijing. President Donald Trump has taken a more supportive position toward TikTok.
He has said the platform helped his campaign reach voters during the 2024 presidential election and has welcomed the changes to its U.S. ownership, the latest decision marks a major change in the U.S. government’s approach to TikTok.
The policy shift also highlights how changes in ownership, data security and control of the platform have become central to the long running debate over TikTok in the United States.
