Marvel Snap Banned in the U.S. Due to ByteDance’s Ownership: Why It Happened

In a surprising move, Marvel Snap, the popular mobile card game, has been banned in the United States. The game, developed by the U.S.-based studio Second Dinner, was published by Nuverse, which is owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance, also known for owning the controversial app TikTok. The ban on Marvel Snap is part of broader actions taken against ByteDance-owned apps following growing concerns over national security.

Why It Is Banned?

The primary reason for the ban stems from concerns about user data privacy. U.S. lawmakers have long been wary of ByteDance’s connection to the Chinese government, fearing that the company might be required to share sensitive user data with Chinese authorities. In response, the U.S. government passed the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which targets apps owned by foreign entities with ties to adversarial governments. Under this law, ByteDance was required to divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. Since ByteDance failed to comply with this mandate, several of its apps, including Marvel Snap, have now been banned from app stores.

What Does This Mean for Users?

As a result of the ban, U.S. users can no longer download or update Marvel Snap on their devices. The game has also been removed from popular app stores for iOS and Android, and players on PC via Steam are unable to access the game. This has caused frustration among the game’s large fanbase in the U.S., who are now cut off from their favorite title.

Second Dinner, the developer behind Marvel Snap, expressed disappointment over the unexpected takedown and is reportedly working to resolve the issue and restore the game as soon as possible.

Wider Implications

This ban on Marvel Snap is part of a growing list of ByteDance apps that have been removed from U.S. app stores, following the crackdown on TikTok and other ByteDance-owned platforms. The U.S. government’s focus on data privacy and national security shows how sensitive the issue has become, reflecting tensions between the U.S. and China in the tech space. The ban could have lasting effects not only on ByteDance’s business operations but also on how international tech companies are regulated in the U.S.

The situation surrounding Marvel Snap serves as a reminder of the challenges tech companies face in an increasingly scrutinized global environment, where the balance between business interests and national security concerns is becoming more complex by the day.