Trump Extends TikTok Ban Enforcement Deadline
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending the deadline for the enforcement of a law that would require TikTok’s owner, the Chinese company ByteDance, to sell most of its stake in the popular app to operate in the United States. The 75-day extension will allow the Biden administration to determine the appropriate course of action regarding TikTok’s future in the country.
Controversy Surrounding TikTok
The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, was set to go into effect on Sunday, but the administration announced that it would not enforce it. Trump’s recent order directs the Attorney General to refrain from taking any action to enforce the law for the next 75 days. This decision comes after a back-and-forth regarding TikTok’s accessibility in the U.S.
After the Supreme Court upheld the law behind the looming ban, TikTok voluntarily made itself unavailable to U.S. customers. However, after Trump expressed his desire for the app to remain operational to help broadcast his inauguration, TikTok resumed service and thanked him in a message to American users.
International Implications
The relationship between TikTok and its Chinese owner has raised concerns among lawmakers, with fears that the app could be used for propaganda or to gather information on American users. The extension of the enforcement deadline does not overturn the law, which still requires ByteDance to find a U.S. company willing to acquire an 80% stake in TikTok or face a ban.
Trump has voiced his preference for a deal that would involve a 50-50 ownership split between ByteDance and the United States. However, the specifics of such a deal remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether it would meet the legal requirements outlined in the law.
Chinese Response
China has recently shown a willingness to allow ByteDance to sell at least part of TikTok, signaling a potential shift in its stance on the issue. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that business operations and acquisitions should be decided based on market principles and the discretion of companies, as long as they comply with Chinese laws and regulations.
The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as the deadline for compliance approaches. Investors and companies have expressed interest in acquiring a stake in the app to keep it active, but the ultimate decision rests on ByteDance’s ability to find a suitable buyer. The next 75 days will be crucial in determining the fate of TikTok on American soil.
Kevin Collier, along with other reporters from major news outlets, have been closely following the developments surrounding TikTok and its potential impact on national security and international relations. Their insights provide valuable context to the ongoing saga of the popular social media platform.
