Lauren Hendry Parsons, communications director at ExpressVPN, suggests that users might turn to virtual private networks (VPNs) as a workaround. “With a VPN and some adjustments to phone settings, users could access app stores in other countries,” Parsons explains.
However, this strategy carries risks. Tech giants like Apple and Google might crack down on such activity to avoid legal issues, especially as they aim to maintain favorable relations with President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in saving TikTok.
Alternative Access and Security Concerns
Android users could attempt to sideload TikTok updates via third-party app stores. While this method bypasses mainstream app store restrictions, Justin Hurwitz, a telecommunications professor at the University of Pennsylvania, warns it could expose users to malware due to weaker security protocols.
Even if TikTok remains accessible through alternative means, significant challenges lie ahead. A lack of updates will inevitably degrade the app’s performance, raising concerns about privacy and data security.
The Supreme Court’s Role in the TikTok Ban
The Supreme Court heard arguments on the legality of the federal law on Friday.
