Apple Updates TestFlight to Block Access to TikTok Beta in U.S.

[steve09090]

Exactly.


Of course they are.

Most of the popular general purpose computing platforms used by consumers allow installation of any app, free from restrictions of the operating system developer. Linux and Windows certainly do. macOS - well, it used to, but Apple have tightened their grip over that more and more lately.


If side-loading is (or includes) the installation of software applications, then yes, it certainly has to do with that.¨


Of course. Most companies active in markets with totalitarian governments do. Just as they did when they removed the VPN apps in China.

Apple's "policy" is also to be a unavoidable middleman for the distribution and installation of applications on their devices. Apple has chosen to assume that position as a gatekeeper - and as such, they "comply with the laws" and orders of government.

Companies (can only) comply with laws and government orders within their "sphere of influence". It's just that Apple has taken the latter, have expanded their iron grip on consumers to almost unprecedented levels in personal computing.

There is no law requiring them to be such gatekeeper. There is no law that saying that the developer of an operating system must control and regulate the installation of applications by its users.


If I were a totalitarian government seeking control of mass communications media (and interpersonal communication), the first thing I would do: Make sure that all applications installable on personal computing devices used by the populace have to be approved - and can be withdrawn on the flick of a switch - by one or a few gatekeepers that "comply with my laws" and orders.

You’ve got it wrong. Blinded by the hatred you have for Apple. But it is what it is. Enjoy

 

[AppliedMicro]

You’ve got it wrong

I take it you won't (or can't) argue your point.

by the hatred you have for Apple

I don't despise Apple - I just criticise some of their policies and how they conduct their business.

 

[Analog Kid]

Apple’s policies and their status as a gatekeeper for the installation of apps provide government the means for censorship and control of mass communication media media.

TikTok had blocked access to their own content. Apple had disabled a nonfunctional app.

 

[steve09090]

I take it you won't (or can't) argue your point.

I don't despise Apple - I just criticise some of their policies and how they conduct their business.

Won’t.

I’m pretty sure I have never heard you utter a single positive word for Apple. It’s definitely despise. But hey, you’re entitled to be on a Mac Forum to throw a few bombs. I respect that we have people stirring the pot for no good reason.

 

[Alameda]

Whose boots? This is a law that was signed by Biden and Trump is actually against it. Following a law is not appeasing Trump, and certainly not this specific law.

Your statement might be true in general, but this is not an example of it.

Trump was for the law, until he met with Jeff Yass, a billionaire GOP donor who owns a lot of ByteDance stock. That changed his mind.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-hedge-fund-owner-tiktok-investor-yass-emerges-top-donor-us-election-2024-03-21/

 

[Big_D]

Hmm, I don't like how Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Google & Apple treat privacy and they are a threat to my data, because they are beholden to the CLOUD Act, Patriot Act, FISA Court etc. Can we please divest them of US ownership and force them to be owned by EU companies?

What's good for the goose is good for the gander, after all...

 

[Adora]

What URLs are you able to open? Any beginning with www.tiktok.com currently display this:

Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now​

A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now.

We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!

In the meantime, you can still log in to download your data.

I am not from the U.S., I just wanted to know if TikTok can be fully used with a browser. Then it might be easier. Here for example Russian media is blocked and I only need to change my DNS settings to anything but standard and it is working again in a browser. Don't even need a VPN.