TikTok, the popular social media app, has denied the recent reports claiming a delay in the launch of its US shopping platform.
The report, citing unnamed sources, stated that the app’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, made the decision based on growing concerns about the platform’s future in the United States.
However, a TikTok spokesperson clarified in an email statement to Reuters that the launch has not been delayed.
The spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to its strategy of testing and learning, expressing excitement about expanding the test in the US by inviting more merchants to join.
TikTok has seen significant growth in its user base, with 150 million monthly active users in the United States as of March, compared to 100 million in 2020.
Despite its popularity, TikTok is facing pressure in Washington, as many in Congress have called for a ban due to fears that the app’s US user data could end up in the hands of the Chinese government..