OMB lifts TikTok ban on government devices

The Office of Management and Budget lifted the ban on TikTok for government devices Monday, ending a yearslong restriction. The decision follows a Department of Justice memo confirming employees can lawfully use the app. The memo was signed by OMB Secretary Russell Vought after TikTok launched its new U.S. venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture, which is majority owned by American investors. ByteDance retains a 19.9 percent stake, complying with a 2024 law requiring divestment over national security concerns. Most of President Trump's Cabinet joined TikTok last month for "welcome back" videos. Managing investors Silver Lake, Oracle and MGX each hold 15 percent stakes, with other investors including firms tied to Michael Dell and Susquehanna International Group.