Okay, simply to make clear, if a TikTok ban is applied within the U.S., it would additionally impression all of ByteDance’s different apps which can be obtainable within the area, together with Lemon8, its Instagram-like product showcase app.
Although there may be some confusion round this, and clearly, ByteDance itself is seeking to capitalize on such, by launching promotions inside TikTok that urge customers emigrate to Lemon8.
As reported by Axios:
“In the previous couple of weeks, Lemon8 has been selling its app to TikTok customers by sponsored TikTok movies […] In November, TikTok additionally started informing customers of its sister app, Lemon8, that starting late that month, Lemon8 can be powered by TikTok, and their TikTok usernames would even be used on Lemon8.”
Axios additional notes that the Lemon8 adverts seem to have been a part of an earlier promotional marketing campaign for the app, however ByteDance is now re-pushing them, in an effort to enhance Lemon8 sign-ups as TikTok’s sale deadline looms.
Although what the precise objective of that push may be is unclear.
As said within the “Defending Individuals from Overseas Adversary Managed Functions” act, which is the official doc that’s getting used to pressure TikTok’s sale within the U.S.:
“The time period “overseas adversary managed utility” means an internet site, desktop utility, cellular utility, or augmented or immersive expertise utility that’s operated, immediately or not directly (together with by a mum or dad firm, subsidiary, or affiliate), by any of ByteDance, Ltd., TikTok, a subsidiary of or a successor to an entity recognized in clause (i) or (ii) that’s managed by a overseas adversary; or an entity owned or managed, immediately or not directly, by an entity recognized in clause (i), (ii), or (iii).”
So it’s fairly clear, any app owned by ByteDance can be topic to elimination within the U.S. as soon as that is enacted.
Which is scheduled for January nineteenth, which implies that except one thing modifications, TikTok can be faraway from U.S. app shops on that date, together with Lemon8, CapCut, TikTok Studio, and so forth.
That might nonetheless change. Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has filed an amicus transient with the Supreme Court docket to delay any remaining determination on TikTok until after his inauguration on the twentieth, and if that’s granted, it might give Trump extra alternative to barter a deal to avoid wasting the app. And Trump has repeatedly signaled that he’s eager to take action, if given the prospect.
Excessive-profile investor Kevin O’Leary can be seeking to strike a deal to purchase the app, ideally with Trump’s assist, and that may present another choice to hold TikTok within the U.S.
Although even then, that wouldn’t save ByteDance’s different apps, as per the wording of the invoice. So it seems like Lemon8 and CapCut are out both manner, except Trump can negotiate a brand new settlement that doesn’t exclude Chinese language possession.
Which looks like a stretch, and as such, why ByteDance can be even selling Lemon8 within the U.S. is a bit bizarre.
Possibly it’s hoping that Lemon8 would possibly slip underneath the radar, because it’s technically owned by “TikTok Pte. Ltd.”, not ByteDance, as per its App Retailer itemizing. Or perhaps it’s simply seeking to juice Lemon8’s numbers whereas it may, earlier than dropping connection to all of its U.S. customers.
Regardless, if there’s anybody you already know who’s not sure what the TikTok ban would possibly imply for these different apps, as you possibly can see within the wording above, it’s fairly clear that they received’t be allowed to stay within the U.S.
I extremely doubt that Apple or Google are going to permit them to stay obtainable, in violation of the act, as soon as it comes into impact.
