The Department of Justice has informed federal employees they can once again download TikTok onto their government-issued devices, according to Reuters. This reversal follows a 2022 law that had prohibited the app's use on official equipment. Main Developments A DOJ memo, reported by Reuters, states that President Donald Trump has cleared employees of executive branch agencies to download TikTok onto official devices. The memo notes this is subject to each agency's discretion and must align with existing workplace policies. The change stems from a deal transferring TikTok's U.S. operations to a joint venture backed by Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX. Oracle serves as the security partner for this new entity, while former owner ByteDance retains a 19.9% stake. Read also: Why a Top VC Warns AI Wealth Will Be Redistributed Background The 2022 law initially banned TikTok on federal devices amid national security concerns. That ban later expanded more broadly across the United States when the law took effect early last year. However, the app went offline only briefly before Trump repeatedly delayed enforcement and urged service providers to restore access. The new ownership structure appears to have resolved the security issues that prompted the original restrictions. Why It Matters This reversal signals a significant shift in U.S. policy toward TikTok, moving from outright prohibition to conditional acceptance under new ownership. For federal employees, it restores access to a platform used for communication and public engagement. The decision also highlights the effectiveness of the ownership transfer in addressing security concerns, potentially influencing how other foreign-owned apps are regulated in the future. What's Next Agencies now have discretion to decide whether to allow TikTok on their devices. The DOJ memo leaves room for individual workplace policies to override the general clearance. Broader questions remain about TikTok's long-term status in the U.S., especially given the previous nationwide ban that was temporarily paused. The new joint venture's operations will likely face continued scrutiny.