From this Sunday, any movement to distribute, upload or maintain WeChat or TikTok on an app store will be banned.
Although users who have already downloaded the applications can continue to use the software, the restrictions mean that updated versions of the applications cannot be downloaded.
"The only real change starting Sunday night will be that [TikTok users] won't have access to enhanced applications, updated applications, upgraded applications or maintenance," Said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Fox Business.
The restrictions on WeChat are more extensive. As of Sunday, it will be illegal to host or transfer Internet traffic associated with WeChat, the ministry said in a statement. The same will apply to TikTok from November 12, he said. (The Trump administration is evaluating a proposal involving ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, and Oracle, designed to address the administration's national security concerns related to TikTok; the deadline for agreement is Nov. 12).
TikTok and Tencent, the owner of WeChat, did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
Also, Apple and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
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