TikTok-loaded telephones are promoting for hundreds on-line after legislation prevents new downloads

Some fast-acting entrepreneurs are promoting telephones with the social media app preloaded on them for hundreds of {dollars} on-line.

ByteDance voluntarily shut down TIkTok’s U.S. operations on Jan. 19, hours earlier than a deadline requiring the China-based dad or mum firm to promote them to a U.S.-based entity, or have the app banned over nationwide safety issues. Consequently, TikTok went darkish for its 170 million U.S.-based customers, till President Trump on Jan. 20 paused the ban from going into impact till early April.

Nonetheless, whereas the service has since been restored for current customers, the app remains to be not out there for obtain from U.S.-based app shops, leaving these within the U.S. who do not have already got TikTok on their telephone unable to accumulate it. That is as a result of the legislation referred to as the Defending Individuals from Overseas Adversary Managed Purposes Act, makes it unlawful for app shops from Google or Apple, in addition to web-hosting companies, to distribute or service TikTok. 

Consequently, telephones and different gadgets with TikTok pre-installed on them are out of the blue a scorching commodity. Dozens of listings for telephones and tablets geared up with the wildly common app have since cropped up on on-line marketplaces.

Amongst them is an eBay itemizing for a tool described as a brand-new Apple iPhone 16 Professional Max preloaded with TikTok for $50,000, or “Finest Supply.” Based on the eBay web site, practically 80 buyers are retaining their eyes on the itemizing. 

There are additionally TikTok-loaded gadgets which might be listed on the market for simply lots of of {dollars}. Some sellers promote telephones with lively TikTok accounts, whereas others say the app is put in, however not linked to an account. 

Ebay didn’t instantly reply to CBS MoneyWatch’s request for touch upon the listings.