The US Department of Justice has ruled that downloading TikTok on federal devices is no longer illegal, following a change in the app’s ownership structure. A 12-page legal opinion issued this week states that the 2022 ban no longer applies to the current US version of TikTok.
Why the TikTok federal ban no longer applies
The original prohibition targeted TikTok due to its ties to Beijing-based ByteDance, which raised national security concerns. However, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel determined that Congress’s ban only covered the version of TikTok with "problematic ownership features."
In January 2026, a new joint venture—TikTok U.S. Data Security (TikTok USDS)—finalized a deal shifting majority ownership to US-based investors, including Oracle. ByteDance retained a 19.9% stake, just under the legal 20% cap. The restructured app now operates under stricter cybersecurity controls, with Oracle reviewing its source code.
Agencies retain discretion over TikTok use
While the DOJ’s ruling lifts the legal restriction, federal agencies can still ban TikTok on government devices for workforce management, such as productivity concerns. The White House deferred comment to the Justice Department.
Criticism persists, with some lawmakers and tech competitors questioning whether the deal fully addresses national security risks. A lawsuit from Alphabet and Meta investors challenging the arrangement remains pending in federal court.
