TikTok could bypass US blockade by making a PWA

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act will lead to TikTok's removal from U.S. app stores starting January 19, 2025, unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This ruling has significant implications for businesses and creators who rely on TikTok, as it will result in the loss of API access and disrupt integrations. The ban aims to mitigate risks associated with foreign control and data misuse, particularly concerning China's data collection practices. However, Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) may offer a workaround, as they operate independently of app stores and can be added directly to users' home screens. TikTok could potentially develop a PWA to maintain its service, as PWAs support features like offline access and push notifications, and can be used across various devices and browsers. The enforcement of the TikTok ban may be complicated by technologies such as PWAs and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which allow users to bypass restrictions. The situation presents a complex intersection of technology, policy, and user access that will be interesting to observe in the coming months.

- The Supreme Court ruling will remove TikTok from U.S. app stores unless it cuts ties with ByteDance.

- Businesses relying on TikTok face disruptions due to loss of API access.

- Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) could provide a means to circumvent app store restrictions.

- PWAs offer features similar to native apps and can be accessed across different platforms.

- The enforcement of the TikTok ban may be complicated by users' ability to use PWAs and VPNs.