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Apple and Google face $850 billion liability from TikTok ban

Apple and Google face $850 billion liability from TikTok ban

  • 25.03.2025 16:13
  • gsmarena.com
  • Keywords: TikTok Ban, Liability

TikTok's US ban was briefly enforced but later reinstated, delaying its divestment deadline until April 5. Apple, Google, and Oracle face potential $850 billion liabilities as senators urge resolution by March 28.

Alphabet ServicesApple ServicesAAPLsentiment_dissatisfiedORCLsentiment_dissatisfied

Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Apple is facing potential liability due to hosting TikTok on their app store, which may lead to financial consequences.

Google

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Google is facing potential liability similar to Apple for hosting TikTok on their app store.

Oracle

Oracle

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Oracle provides cloud services to TikTok and could face legal action if the ban isn't resolved.

Context

Analysis of Apple and Google's $850 Billion Liability from TikTok Ban

Liability Overview

  • Apple and Google face potential $850 billion liability due to their continued support of TikTok in the U.S. app stores despite legal concerns.
  • Oracle is also under scrutiny for providing cloud services to TikTok, adding to the potential financial exposure.

Legal Developments

  • Three U.S. senators (Edward J. Markey, Chris Van Hollen, and Cory Booker) sent a letter to President Trump, urging resolution or clarification by March 28.
  • The senators argued that hosting TikTok on Apple and Google’s app stores violates U.S. law, potentially leading to legal consequences for these companies.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice assured the companies that enforcement would not occur immediately, but this assurance is not guaranteed long-term.

Competitive Dynamics

  • ByteDance (TikTok's parent company) has repeatedly stated that splitting its algorithm from TikTok’s U.S. operations would be technically challenging and could take years.
  • The senators propose allowing TikTok to remain operational if ByteDance divests its American operations, aiming to protect the 170 million U.S. users and 7 million creators.

Market Impact

  • The situation highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of tech platforms, particularly those with significant Chinese ties.
  • A potential ban or divestment could disrupt TikTok’s dominance in the U.S., creating opportunities for competitors like Instagram Reels and other short-form video platforms.

Strategic Considerations

  • Apple and Google face a delicate balance between compliance with U.S. regulations and maintaining their market positions.
  • Oracle’s involvement underscores the broader implications of tech giants’ partnerships with Chinese companies under U.S. regulatory pressure.

Long-term Effects

  • The TikTok case sets a precedent for future regulatory actions against other Chinese-owned platforms operating in the U.S.
  • A prolonged legal battle could lead to increased costs, reputational damage, and operational challenges for all involved parties.

Regulatory Uncertainty

  • The extended deadline of April 5 highlights ongoing uncertainty, leaving companies like Apple, Google, and Oracle in a state of limbo.
  • Regulatory actions could shift with changes in administration, creating additional risks for businesses.

Potential Outcomes

  • A resolution favoring divestment would allow TikTok to remain operational while reducing U.S. reliance on ByteDance’s technology.
  • Failure to resolve the issue may lead to stricter enforcement measures or a complete ban, significantly impacting Apple, Google, and Oracle’s market positions.