Marvel Snap: Why Did the Game Get Removed Following the TikTok Ban

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Despite Marvel Rivals receiving widespread buzz following its release, it’s important to note that Marvel Snap, an earlier Marvel game, boasts a lively player community as well.

Over the weekend, while the closure of TikTok in the U.S. dominated attention, a number of Marvel card game enthusiasts couldn’t help but notice an unexpected shutdown of their favorite game. Now, you may be wondering – why did this happen?

How is Marvel Snap Connected to TikTok

As reported by VGC, Marvel Snap is among the various applications managed by ByteDance, the company that operates TikTok. Although TikTok is the most prominent of these apps and was the focus of the ban, other applications such as CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap were also impacted by the ban in the United States.

Here’s what the devs over at Marvel Snap had to say about the ban:

Thankfully for Marvel Snap gamers, it appears the downtime was due to an oversight, and developers are diligently working to restore the game. Notably, the primary concern regarding Byte Dance in the U.S. was TikTok.

Why was TikTok Banned in the First Place?

The U.S. administration expressed worry over TikTok due to claims that the platform was potentially collecting user data, which might later be utilized by China in ways that could conflict with America’s own strategic objectives.

In simpler terms, the U.S. government pressured ByteDance to transfer a large part of TikTok to an American company, but they declined, leading to the app being prohibited in the U.S.

The intriguing aspect of this debate lies in the claim that TikTok’s data collection practices are just as intrusive as those of well-known American tech giants such as Google and Meta. Critics argue that the U.S.’s intention to ban the app is primarily due to a lack of control it has over it. One might wonder, why are other large tech companies permitted to function in the same manner that the U.S. alleges TikTok can?

Ban Uplifted?

Currently, TikTok has been granted a short reprieve due to the actions taken by President-elect Donald Trump. In their own words, here is their official statement:

[Official Statement]
“In light of recent events, we are pleased that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has granted TikTok a temporary reprieve. We will continue to collaborate with CFIUS and the U.S. government to explore a path forward to resolve any outstanding issues and achieve a long-term solution.

It’s clear that the ban on TikTok can no longer be dismissed due to its extensive user base and some people relying on it for their income. The concern over national security is diminishing, as there are already American firms engaged in similar data mining activities which they are criticizing TikTok for.

Despite not posing a significant national threat to the US, it’s likely that Marvel Snap will continue to exist given its current status. With Marvel making strides in the video game world, Snap has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Marvel gaming fanbase.

After a brief hiatus, I’m thrilled to share that TikTok is back in the U.S., though we’re all keeping our fingers crossed to see how long this comeback lasts! On another note, Marvel Snap has just landed on Android, PC, and iOS devices, which means it’s now easier than ever for us fans to join the action!

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2025-01-20 17:42