The subject of digital privacy and national security has put a growing number of platforms under scrutiny, leading many users to ask What apps are getting banned? The list of apps banned in the us is constantly changing due to escalating legal battles and government action.
If you’re wondering what apps got banned today or what apps that are banned might affect your daily life, this guide offers clarity. We detail the current status of the banned apps facing potential removal from US app stores, including those that previously faced mandates. Stay informed about the current apps that are getting banned and what steps you can take to maintain access and digital freedom.
Key Takeaways:
- The US is increasingly vigilant about mobile apps, particularly those with foreign ties, due to national security and data privacy concerns.
- Apps like TikTok , WeChat, CapCut, Shein, Temu, and AliExpress are under scrutiny in the USA, with reasons ranging from privacy issues to allegations of human rights violations.
- In case of bans, using a reliable VPN like PureVPN can enable access to these apps by connecting to servers in countries where they are available.
5 Apps the US Might Ban Nationwide
Here are five apps that the USA may ban shortly if a TikTok ban ever comes into effect:
1. TikTok
TikTok, developed by ByteDance, is under scrutiny in the USA due to concerns over user data access by the Chinese government, posing potential national security risks.
Efforts to ban the app have escalated, with significant legal battles reaching the Supreme Court. The outcome could lead to TikTok being delisted from U.S. app stores soon, impacting its availability and functionality
2. WeChat
Developed by Tencent, WeChat is a multifaceted app combining social media, messaging, and payment functionalities. Its rapid adoption in the US owes to its diverse features. However, its Chinese roots have raised privacy concerns.
In 2020, the Trump administration initiated efforts to ban the app, citing national security risks, but these were halted by legal interventions requiring more substantial evidence for a complete ban.
3. CapCut
ByteDance’s CapCut, a video editing and creation app, has grown in popularity due to its intuitive design and extensive features. While currently regarded as safe, its extensive data collection practices have raised concerns.
Its connection to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, places it in a precarious position amid heightened scrutiny over data security and privacy.
Also read: The Best CapCut VPN
4. Shein
Shein, the Chinese fast-fashion e-commerce giant, has been a magnet for controversy despite its global fashion influence. Recent campaigns such as “Shut Down SHEIN” highlight alleged human rights abuses and import law manipulations.
Accusations of using slave-picked Xinjiang cotton positioned Shein in potential violation of US Federal Law, specifically the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, casting a shadow over its future in the US market.
5. Temu
Temu, a popular online marketplace, is a subsidiary of PDD Holdings, the same company behind the shopping app Pinduoduo, known for its controversial surveillance capabilities. Pinduoduo faced a setback when Google Play discovered malware in versions of the app distributed outside its store, leading to its suspension.
While Temu is still available for download in the US, the incident with its sister app might bring it under closer watch.
How do I access banned apps in the USA?
If certain apps face a ban in the US, you can still access them using a premium VPN. Just follow these simple steps:
Step#1:
Start by selecting PureVPN, known for its robust security features and reliable server network.
Step#2:
Download and install the PureVPN app on your device. We support a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Step#3:
Open the PureVPN app and connect to a server in a country where the app you want to access is not banned.
Step#4:
Once connected to the VPN, visit the app store or the app’s official website to download the app. You should now be able to access it as if you were in a different country.
Step#5:
Always keep your VPN activated while using the banned app to ensure uninterrupted access and secure online activities.
Frequently asked questions
Apps facing potential bans in the USA include TikTok, WeChat, CapCut, Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. These apps are scrutinized for issues ranging from national security concerns to privacy violations and associations with controversial practices.
There is no single list of all apps getting banned today, but the primary focus remains on Chinese-linked platforms due to data privacy concerns. Currently, what other apps are getting banned or are facing scrutiny include TikTok, WeChat, CapCut, Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. The article breaks down what are all the apps that got banned historically and the ones currently under threat.
While there have been past attempts to ban apps like WeChat, current efforts are focused on the forced sale or prohibition of platforms like TikTok. What apps have been banned or are now unavailable depends on the device; some government agencies have banned apps on federal devices. You can read the full history to see what apps were banned during previous presidential administrations.
Providing a single, exact number for how many apps got banned is difficult because it changes daily, depending on whether you count individual apps removed due to policy violations or large-scale bans due to national security. However, this article details the most prominent all apps that got banned due to governmental concerns, providing clear context on what apps are getting banned in the us.
Yes, the terms apps banned in the USA ” and apps that are banned in America refer to the same group of applications facing legislative or executive action within the United States due to foreign ties and data security concerns. We track the status of all apps banned in the US jurisdictions.
What apps are getting banned in 2025 includes a variety of platforms facing restrictions in different countries, for example, Australia has begun banning social media apps like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch, and X for users under 16 as part of new age-verification rules.
No, what apps are getting banned in 2025 varies by region: some governments target gambling and unregulated financial apps (like multiple betting apps banned in India), while others impose age or content bans on social platforms, so the list differs depending on local laws and safety concerns.
Final word
As the US continues to prioritize data privacy and national security, the future of certain apps is in jeopardy. Therefore, if you live in the USA, it is crucial to stay updated about the banning of specific apps.
PureVPN
December 24, 2025
2 weeks ago
