TikTok, WeChat to be banned from US app stores starting Sunday

Department of Commerce announced Friday morning.

The department said in a statement that the move was necessary to “safeguard the national security of the United States.”

President Donald Trump issued twin executive orders in August, saying the apps would shut down by Sept. 20 if they were not sold to U.S. owners.

The ban announced this morning begins Sept. 20, and prohibits the download of TikTok or WeChat from app stores.

“In our proposal to the U.S.

Spokespeople for Tencent, WeChat’s parent company, did not immediately respond to request for comment.