TikTok File Photo: VCG

　　The Trump administration has formally lifted restrictions on the use of TikTok on US federal government devices following the restructuring of the platform"s US operations, marking another step toward normalizing TikTok’s operations in the US. Analysts said TikTok"s continued operation in the country after years of political and regulatory pressure reflects its deep reach among American users and businesses, as well as the competitiveness of Chinese-developed digital products.

　　The White House Office of Management and Budget said in a memorandum dated Monday and released Tuesday that TikTok is no longer covered by a federal ban on its use on government devices, effectively lifting a restriction imposed over "national security" concerns tied to the platform"s previous ownership by ByteDance.

　　The decision was based on a legal opinion issued by the US Justice Department in July, which concluded that the version of TikTok now operated by the restructured US joint venture, or TikTok USDS Joint Venture, no longer falls under the 2022 federal government-device ban. The opinion also made clear that individual agencies still retain discretion over whether to allow employees to use the app on official devices.

　　TikTok"s ability to remain in the US market after years of political and regulatory pressure demonstrates its strong user appeal and commercial importance, Li Yong, an executive council member of the China Society for WTO Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday. The platform has become deeply embedded in the US digital economy, with American creators and businesses relying on it to reach audiences, generate income and promote their products, he said.