TikTok CEO steps down amid US ban order

TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer quit the Chinese-owned video app from on Thursday just days after the company mounted a legal challenge against US President Donald Trump's executive order to ban transactions with the popular platform.

"In recent weeks, as the political environment has sharply changed, I have done significant reflection on what the corporate structural changes will require. And what it means for the global role I signed up for," Chinese state television quoted Mayer as saying.

The short video app firm's US-based General Manager Vanessa Pappas will temporarily replace Mayer; who assumed the role only three months ago, the company also said in a statement.

TikTok is scrambling to persuade Washington and New Delhi that it does not pose a security threat; while simultaneously trying to woo potential buyers.

A large hit among millennials and teenagers; US officials are also concerned that information on the app's users could be shared with the Chinese government; prompting Trump to ban the platform the US.