TikTok Disappears from Smart TVs Amid New Restrictions
TikTok has quietly vanished from numerous smart TV platforms following the implementation of a new restriction. Leading smart TV manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Vizio, Amazon, Google, and Apple, have complied with the ban by removing the TikTok app from their respective app stores. According to a report by Axios, the restriction has been in effect since January 19.
While most discussions surrounding the ban have focused on TikTok’s mobile app, its removal from streaming TV platforms signals a significant shift. This move highlights corporations’ commitment to adhering to new regulations. Although former U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an executive order that the ban would not be enforced for 75 days, most companies have already taken action to remove TikTok from their platforms.
Among the major U.S. smart TV manufacturers, LG, Vizio, and Samsung have removed TikTok from their app stores. LG notified its smart TV users that TikTok would no longer be available on the LG Content Store starting January 19. Similarly, Amazon has removed the app from its Fire TV platform. Users attempting to access the app store now receive a message stating, “Due to geographical restrictions, you cannot download this app.”
Google has also pulled TikTok from the Google Play Store, affecting Google TV and Android TV platforms. As a result, smart TVs from brands such as Sony and Sharp, which rely on this operating system, are also impacted. Meanwhile, Apple has removed TikTok from its TV operating system as well.
Neither TikTok nor Google has issued a statement regarding the removal. Likewise, Apple, Amazon, LG, Vizio, and Samsung have not commented on the matter.
In the wake of the ban, cloud service providers such as Oracle and Akamai are reportedly working on solutions to restore TikTok. However, companies face the risk of substantial fines if they violate the restrictions. Following the enforcement of the ban on January 19, both Google and Apple removed TikTok from their mobile app stores on January 20, preventing new downloads. Only users who had previously installed the app can continue to use it.
It remains to be seen how TikTok navigates this restriction and whether companies can find a way to reinstate the app while complying with regulatory requirements.
